Information Use
Health is a key sector for development and plays a large role in poverty eradication. Through a collaborative network BEANISH builds tools and capacity in the use of routine health information for improved health care delivery. Free and Open Source software for collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting of health data is developed in a South-South-North collaborative network.
"The primary focus for HISP is developing and implementing integrated Health Management Information Systems for routine data, semi-permanent data, and survey data. Databases using our District Health Information Software (DHIS) contain data representing over one billion patient visits. The DHIS is designed to support health workers and managers at all administrative levels through a balance between flexibility and standardization, and with a strong emphasis on USING INFORMATION FOR LOCAL ACTION" - [www.hisp.org]
Action-led Information Systems
Health care personnel in developing countries are overburdened with reporting of activity data. Not only the health authorities but also multiple donor-driven programs request reports. Information is collected and reported to the health authorities, but not utilized for local decision making. Incorrect data and late reports lead to distrust of data on behalf of management, and the information is not widely used, thus a vicious circle is established where information is not valued.
BEANISH offers tools to reduce the work burden on the health workers. Software eliminates tedious and error-prone manual calculations and facilitates easy generation of various reports. In-service training is offered to health workers, focusing on basic computer skills as well as data management, analysis and interpretation in order to inform decision-making and facilitate evidence-based health care management.
The core application is the District Health Information System (DHIS) for the routine collection of data from health facilities. The system?s flexibility allows customization of data elements, indicators and reports to fit the needs of the relevant health authorities, and it is dynamic in order to cater for the integration of emerging diseases, medications and treatments.
Core readings:
Heywood A, Rohde J (2001): "Using information for action ? a manual for health workers at facility level". A report from the Equity Project, Arcadia, South Africa. HeywoodRohde.pdf
Essential/Minimum Data Sets and Indicators
In the various countries of the BEANISH partners there exist a number of examples of standards defined for Minimum or Essential Data Sets:
South Africa
The South African Essential Data Set: ZA Indicator and MDS Overview 10 May 2005.xls
See also the research papers that describe the process of arriving at the standard:
Shaw (2005): ShawSouthAfricaEDSBulletinWHO2005.pdf
Braa and Hedberg (2002): BraaHedbergDHISin SA2002.pdf
XML format of SA indicator set for DHIS 1.4 or 2.0 import
Tanzania, Zanzibar
For hospitals: Zanzibar Hospital Indicators.xls
For primary health care:
XML format of ZNZ indicator set for DHIS 1.4 or 2.0 import
MDG indicator set from Zanzibar
Botswana
XML format of BW indicator set for DHIS 1.4 or 2.0 import
See also the standards defined in Nigeria:
HISP:Nigeria datasets
Data quality
Improving Data Quality: A guide for developing countries (WHO 2003):
http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/73A68297-B5BE-42D3-83CA-D5A00468B2B4/0/Improving_Data_Quality.pdf
A short manual developed by HISP India:
ManualForManagingDataQualityHISPIndia.pdf
Further readings
