Special People in Routine Health Information Systems Implementation in South Africa.

An analysis of roles and decision making structures to facilitate routine health information system (RHIS) implementation and use in public health facilities in South Africa identified a wide range of stakeholders in these processes. Two broad categories of RHIS 'special people' are analysed, i.e. leaders (administrative and/or clinical) and bridgers/support staff. In addition to health system personnel with specific responsibility for RHIS, users with an interest in effective use of RHIS and RHIS outputs, and staff of external system and/or service providers, can play significant roles in RHIS implementation and use.