Periodontics and Prosthodontics Open Access

Exploring data quality and use of the routine health information system in Ethiopia: A mixed methods study

46^th International conference on Prosthodontics & Restorative Dentistry & 13^th International Conference on Clinical Case Reports

May 20, 2022 | Joint Webinar

Yakob Wondarad Tadesse

Ministry of Health, Ethiopia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Periodontics & Prosthodontics

Abstract:

Objective: A routine health information system (RHIS) enables decision making in the healthcare system. We aimed to analyse data quality at the district and regional level and explore factors and perceptions affecting the quality and use of routine data. Design: This was a mixed-methods study. We used the WHO toolkit for analysing data quality and interviewed staff at the point of data generation and along with the flow of data. Data were analysed using the Performance of Routine Information System Management framework. Setting: This study was performed in eight districts in four regions of Ethiopia. The study was nested within a two year programme of the Operational Research and Coaching for government Analysts. Participants: We visited 45 health posts, one district hospital, 16 health centres and 8 district offices for analysis of routine RHIS data and interviewed 117 staff members for the qualitative assessment. Outcome measures we assessed availability of source documents, completeness, timeliness and accuracy of reporting of routine data, and explored data quality and use perceptions. Results: There was variable quality of both indicator and data element. Data on maternal health and immunisation were of higher quality than data on child nutrition. Issues ranged from simple organisational factors, such as availability of register books, to intricate technical issues, like complexity of indicators and choice of denominators based on population estimates. Respondents showed knowledge of the reporting procedures, but also demonstrated limited skills, lack of supportive supervision and reporting to please the next level. We saw limited examples of the use of data by the staffs that were responsible for data reporting.

Biography :

Yakob Wondarad Tadesse is Health Informatics by his profession and Master of Public health in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He has a particular interest in Health information system and Research.