Strengthening health systems to meet information needs: A multi-country study

Access to credible, relevant, usable health information is a human right. Using a health system perspective, this needs assessment provides a comparative analysis of gaps in health information access across countries and levels of the health system, discusses how information communication technologies (ICTs) are transforming information access, and recommends how to meet information needs and strengthen health systems.

A desk review and a global online survey disseminated to staff of international health agencies (n=808) were complemented by a qualitative study involving policy makers, program managers, and health care providers at central, district, and community levels in India, Malawi, Peru, and Senegal. About 25-45 interviews and 8-10 focus groups were conducted per country.

Central level information needs are “best practices” and “evidence-based information”. District level needs are dynamic. “Practical” information and clear and timely “guidelines” are required for program implementation. At the community level information is defined as “talk” and its delivery (with “compassion” and “respect”) is as important as its “content”.

Barriers to accessing up-to-date information exist across the health system and include: too much information to search, too little time, limited access to computers/Internet, slow, unreliable Internet connections, and cost.

Health systems can be strengthened by: • Providing “practical”, easy-to-use information with local relevance, context, and language. • Making information available in appropriate “bytes” and on a timely basis. • Prioritizing information exchange beyond the central level using existing decentralized structures. • Making crucial health information accessible in remote areas a reality by using emerging ICTs.