Routine Health Information Systems in South Africa--Opportunities for Improvement.

A recurring theme in published studies is the need for the appropriate human and other resources to support routine health information system (RHIS) implementation. While training in the use of specific RHIS and the availability of the required resources for implementation are essential for all users, other factors such as managers' understanding of the role of RHIS in supporting health services; the ability to interpret RHIS data; and a focus on data quality are further requirements for effective RHIS implementation.