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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
David R. Wilson, MPH, Deputy CIO, Management Sciences for Health, 165 Allandale Road, Boston, MA 02130, (617) 524-7799, rwilson@msh.org, Stephen A. Sapirie, DrPH, MBA, INFORM Program, Management Sciences for Health, 891 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02130, and Theo Lippeveld, MD, MPH, International Group, John Snow, Inc., 44 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210.
Over the past decade many developing countries have made significant investments in efforts to enhance their routine health information systems. Computerization has been one of the 'sexiest' interventions at national and district levels, but often one of the most problematic. Key problems include: limited availability of off-the-shelf software; difficulties adapting software from one country to another; training and retaining technical staff; infrastructure issues (uneven power supplies, poor communications facilities); and funding mechanisms that do not support on-going maintenance and system enhancements.
Most such computerized systems have featured at least one of the following components:Population/community data maintenance; health facility registration and staffing; entry and maintenance of routinely collected statistical data on health problems, health services and critical resources from facilities and communities; tools and specialized analyses to assist with the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the health service network. In addition, some of these systems have included or are linked to operational data systems for managing drug logistics, personnel, and finances.
This paper explores various approaches for the design and development of computerized health information systems. Evidence of experience from Pakistan, Bhutan, and South Africa will be used to illustrate various challenges and solutions to making effective use of computer technology in developing country settings. The authors conclude with suggested guidelines to assist health planners and managers, and their funding partners to channel investment in computer technology for improving performance of routine health information systems.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session participants will be able to
Keywords: Information Technology, Developing Countries
Related Web page: www.msh.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Government of Pakistan, Bhutan and South Africa, Management Sciences for Health, John Snow Inc, USAID.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.