Angelo S Nyamtema1. 1. Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health, Ifakara, Tanzania. nyamtema_angelo@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Health Management Information System (HMIS) is crucial for evidence-based policy-making, informed decision-making during planning, implementation and evaluation of health programs; and for appropriate use of resources at all levels of the health system. This study explored the gaps and factors influencing HMIS in the context of a changing health sector in Tanzania. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in 11 heath facilities in Kilombero district between January and February 2008. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 43 health workers on their knowledge, attitude, practice and factors for change on HMIS and HMIS booklets from these facilities were reviewed for completeness. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 81% had never been trained on HMIS, 65% did not properly define this system, 54% didn't know who is supposed to use the information collected and 42% did not use the collected data for planning, budgeting and evaluation of services provision. Although the attitude towards the system was positive among 91%, the reviewed HMIS booklets were never completed in 25% - 55% of the facilities. There were no significant differences in knowledge, attitude and practice on HMIS between clinicians and nurses. The most common type of HMIS booklets which were never filled were those for deliveries (55%). The gaps in the current HMIS were linked to lack of training, inactive supervision, staff workload pressure and the lengthy and laborious nature of the system. CONCLUSIONS: This research has revealed a state of poor health data collection, lack of informed decision-making at the facility level and the factors for change in the country's HMIS. It suggests need for new innovations including incorporation of HMIS in the ongoing reviews of the curricula for all cadres of health care providers, development of more user-friendly system and use of evidence-based John Kotter's eight-step process for implementing successful changes in this system.
BACKGROUND: The Health Management Information System (HMIS) is crucial for evidence-based policy-making, informed decision-making during planning, implementation and evaluation of health programs; and for appropriate use of resources at all levels of the health system. This study explored the gaps and factors influencing HMIS in the context of a changing health sector in Tanzania. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in 11 heath facilities in Kilombero district between January and February 2008. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 43 health workers on their knowledge, attitude, practice and factors for change on HMIS and HMIS booklets from these facilities were reviewed for completeness. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 81% had never been trained on HMIS, 65% did not properly define this system, 54% didn't know who is supposed to use the information collected and 42% did not use the collected data for planning, budgeting and evaluation of services provision. Although the attitude towards the system was positive among 91%, the reviewed HMIS booklets were never completed in 25% - 55% of the facilities. There were no significant differences in knowledge, attitude and practice on HMIS between clinicians and nurses. The most common type of HMIS booklets which were never filled were those for deliveries (55%). The gaps in the current HMIS were linked to lack of training, inactive supervision, staff workload pressure and the lengthy and laborious nature of the system. CONCLUSIONS: This research has revealed a state of poor health data collection, lack of informed decision-making at the facility level and the factors for change in the country's HMIS. It suggests need for new innovations including incorporation of HMIS in the ongoing reviews of the curricula for all cadres of health care providers, development of more user-friendly system and use of evidence-based John Kotter's eight-step process for implementing successful changes in this system.
Authors: Donat Shamba; Louise T Day; Joy E Lawn; Sojib Bin Zaman; Avinash K Sunny; Menna Narcis Tarimo; Kimberly Peven; Jasmin Khan; Nishant Thakur; Md Taqbir Us Samad Talha; Ashish K C; Rajib Haider; Harriet Ruysen; Tapas Mazumder; Md Hafizur Rahman; Md Ziaul Haque Shaikh; Johan Ivar Sæbø; Claudia Hanson; Neha S Singh; Joanna Schellenberg; Lara M E Vaz; Jennifer Requejo Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2021-03-26 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: David Sears; Arthur Mpimbaza; Ruth Kigozi; Asadu Sserwanga; Michelle A Chang; Bryan K Kapella; Steven Yoon; Moses R Kamya; Grant Dorsey; Theodore Ruel Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-05-19 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Agbessi Amouzou; Willie Kachaka; Benjamin Banda; Martina Chimzimu; Kenneth Hill; Jennifer Bryce Journal: Trop Med Int Health Date: 2013-08-01 Impact factor: 2.622
Authors: Miriam C Wilms; Osman Mbembela; Helen Prytherch; Peter Hellmold; Rainer Kuelker Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2014-02-26 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Nelli Westercamp; Sarah G Staedke; Catherine Maiteki-Sebuguzi; Alex Ndyabakira; John Michael Okiring; Simon P Kigozi; Grant Dorsey; Edward Broughton; Eleanor Hutchinson; M Rashad Massoud; Alexander K Rowe Journal: Malar J Date: 2021-06-29 Impact factor: 2.979