Improving timeliness in reporting, data sharing and utilization: a pilot roll-out of the district health management information system at health center IVs in Luwero District

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To pilot scale-up of district health management software (DHIS2) to health center fours (HCIVs) in Luwero district to improve timeliness in reporting, data sharing and utilization. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a pre-and post-implementation study conducted between April-September, 2014 at three HCIVs in Luwero district. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect the data. During pre-implementation, we assessed health worker’s knowledge, attitude and practices towards data sharing and utilization, and a total of 112 health workers (HWs) responded to the questionnaire while 6 key informant interviews were conducted to provide data on potential gaps that would hinder roll-out of DHIS2. After roll-out of the intervention, an evaluation was conducted after four months using a questionnaire with the same respondents. Qualitative data were analyzed manually following a thematic framework approach while quantitative data were analyzed using STATA statistical software. Timeliness reporting rates were extracted from the DHIS2 system for both before and after the implementation. RESULTS: Knowledge on data sharing and utilization increased from 68% to 96% and 45% to 95% respectively. Similarly, proportion of HWs with poor attitude on data sharing and utilization decreased from 20% to 3% and 18% to 4% respectively within the same period while 90% adhered to the set procedures in governing data access and 100% to the use of the electronic tool. Almost all HWs appreciated the fact that use of DHIS2 had lessened the burden for data sharing and utilization. Timeliness in reporting increased from 58% to 84% while inadequate equipment, limited internet and insufficient computing skills were reported. CONCLUSION: In summary, scale-up of DHIS2 to HC IVs was possible and roll-out will contribute to improved timeliness in reporting, data sharing and utilization at HCIVs.