2. Importance of Health Information Systems

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. THANK YOU