Sustainability and Optimal Use of Health Information Systems: an Action Research Study on Implementation of an Integrated District-Based Health Information System in Ethiopia
Year: 2005
Type: dissertation
Abstract: \nThis study investigated the factors contributing to unsustainable health information systems\nand low level of use. Approaches to development and implementation of an integrated\ndistrict-based health information system focusing on sustainability and use as well as the\nchallenges are studied. This action research was carried out in Tigray Region, Ethiopia, at\nall levels of the health structure in two pilot districts: Hintalo-Wajirat and Wukro.\nThe intervention was undertaken using an action research approach with an interpretive\ncase study. Interviews with observations of the information management activities at\nRegion, district and facility levels, and document analysis were the chosen methods of data\ncollection. The empirical findings were analyzed in relation to the existing knowledge in\nthe relevant domain area and concepts from structuration theory.\nThe researchers found that centralization, fragmented structure and the low capacity of the\nhealth information system were the root causes of its very limited contribution to the\nperformance of the Region’s health system. The introduction of an integrated district-based\nhealth information system was the action proposed by the researchers to change the\nsituation and put into action. The initial phases of the implementation of the redefined\nroutine data flow and introduction of DHIS in order to create a unified health information\nsystem and facilitate decentralization were undertaken during the period of the research.\nThe pilot implementation process is still ongoing in the Region under the technical\nassistance and follow-up from the Health Information System Project (HISP) in Ethiopia.\nWe believe that this intervention is believed to contribute to the realization of optimal\nusability and sustainability of the Region’s health information system.\nKey words: Health Information Systems, Sustainability, Information use, Integration,\nDecentralization, Action research, Developing countries.
Language: English
Subfield: Health Information Management
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2466332575