Importance of Health Information Systems

Information explosion during 1990s

It is estimated that in the next 50 years, the amount of knowledge currently generated only represent 3% of the total knowledge during that time assuming that current information growth rate prevails

Why Information System ?

You need information because you need to manage

You need to manage because you have a health problem to solve

If you know what problems to solve, then you know which direction you are heading & what information to collect

Copyright 1996-98 © Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.

Investing In Health Information

An efficient organisation always has a strong information department & Information will show its power only when effectively used

Copyright 1996-98 © Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.

Evidence broad spectrum of forms in health sector

Raw data, statistics, indicators from various sources (population based and institutional based) and socio-economic sectors,

Government and private entity official reports, Research and operational research, Systematic research review, Expert opinions and knowledge, Cost assessment, financial reports and budget

review, Programmes and policies evaluations, Internet websites, Media products: e.g. articles, inquiry, others.

Emphasis on targets and monitoring Epidemic of indicators:

Hundreds of indicators on input, process and output Performance based disbursement

Data quality standards (Investment in improving data collection if standards are not met – GAVI)

HIV/AIDS in developing countries, especially Africa PEPFAR – investment in data collection, household

surveys with biomarkers and facility surveys Global Fund – strengthen health information systems in

general Financial information: cost estimates (Millennium Project,

etc.), projections of lives saved, deaths averted

1 DEMAND

Rationales to invest in health information

Patient management:- personal, diagnostic, treatment or service, expenses, disease, pharmaceuticals information etc, outcome of treatment

Health system management:- resources distribution & utilization information (personnel, finance, facilities, materials), service utilization statistics for program, health profiles of target population, performance measurements, health impact.

Uses of information

To assist policy formulation – Situational analysis and problem identification and proposed solutions.

To evaluate & monitor various dimensions of overall health system – Focus at health gain, equity, better resources utilization, social security, quality care and value for money.

For health surveillance – Monitor and control of disease outbreaks.

To empower people – Ensure people can choose the right service and obtain good care.

Major characteristics of care information

Continuity of care. Integration for more efficient use of

resources. Rational care for compliance to standard

diagnosis & treatment guidelines. Legal & regulatory framework to ensure

quality service. Community profiles Rising expectation of Clients

Where should investment be targeted More efficient use of resources to ensure

an acceptable level of quality care Improve the timeliness & reliability of

information Improved policy formulation focussing on

priority problems Cost saving by reducing duplication in

work process Increase intervention effectiveness View information as resources &

stimulate better health measurements

Are you convinced that

Information/evidence can help to improve health system management?

Information can address package of interventions such as : coverage/accessibility, quality of care, efficient use of resources etc

Information needs a connection to reality Information can promote better sharing of

decision-making between levels.

THANK YOU