Contribution of Information Communication Technology to the Quality of Health Management Information System Data in Hospitals of West Nile Region, Uganda

Abstract

YUGA JIMMY DANIEL (2012-M121-10007) Contribution of Information Communication Technology to the Quality of Health Management Information System Data in Hospitals of West Nile Region, Uganda Quality health information is a world concern especially during this era of globalisation. Countries have been reporting data that is incomplete, inaccurate and not timely to their higher levels of management. Yet decision makers depend on such information to make use of scarce resources. It has been found out that Information Communication Technology (ICT) use contributes to improved quality of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) in the health sector cost effectively yet the level of use of ICT in this sector is low both in developing and developed countries. In Uganda the situation is not different. Even with ICT policies in place and support from both government and partners, little has improved. The goal of this study was to contribute to the improvement of quality of health information management and use in the country that will in turn contribute to an improved health system. The objectives include: establishing the level of ICT use in hospitals, to compare the quality of HMIS and the level of ICT use in hospitals, and finding challenges facing use of ICT for HMIS in hospitals of West Nile region of Uganda. A cross-sectional study, qualitative and quantitative in design was done. Data review, key informant interviews and observations were carried out. The findings indicated that hospitals in the region moderately use ICT, with power sources, internet, computers and phones being almost available in every hospital. Timeliness of reporting was at 65%, average completeness was 70% and ICT was strongly associated with good quality of data. The study concluded that timeliness and completeness of reports is generally low. Quality of data does not depend on ownership of health facilities. However, use of ICT was shown to enhance quality of HMIS. The study recommends among others: feedback, internal use of data, staffing together with development of human resources and building a motivated team as being crucial for a quality HMIS. Key Words: Contribution, Information Communication Technology, Quality, Health Management Information System, Data, Hospitals, West Nile Region.