The operation criteria of a health management information system

Abstract

Background: An iterative process before implementing any health management information system is needed, in that changes identified during the process must be evaluated to determine their effect on completed analyses. In order to achieve maximum returns on an investment or intervention evaluation should be from the outset. The process must consider system life cycle management and the organization’s policy and budget as important integral factors.

Objective: To evaluate the operation phase of the implemented Health Management Information System at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital.

Subjects: Forty (40) healthcare workers who were involved in the implementation of the Health Management Information System.

Results: The response rate was more than 90%. The main indicator used in evaluating the electronic HMIS in KNH was performance 17 (53.1%), Other indicators that were commonly applied in HMIS evaluation in KNH were connectivity 9 (28.1 %) and durability 7 (21.9%), all these indicators are major items to consider and evaluate in an effective HMIS, although not at a good scale it can be concluded that the HMIS at KNH was fair since it’s the first time KNH is adopting the concept.Most health workers17 (53.1%) felt that the electronic HMIS in KNH had achieved its objectives while the rest 16 (46.9%) were for the opinion that the electronic HMIS in KNH had not achieved its objectives.From the findings in the operation criteria the benefits of the electronic HMIS included improved efficiency and reduced workload.Other areas that were impacted on by the electronic HMIS were costs, and ICT skills or training.

Conclusions: From the findings in the operation criteria,the indicators showing successful implementation were: routine use of HMIS in healthcare activities, managerial support for HMIS, changes in hospital structure and integrated managerial processes, HMIS advocacy, data collection, analysis and interpretation and potential for ICT expansion. For the remaining indicators respondent did not strongly agree or agree that implementation had been successful. The area in which implementation was not judged successful were: effective and fair distribution of computers, partial HMIS implementation, inadequate numbers of skilled and trained staff, and inadequate ICT infrastructure. Lastly the goal of monitoring and evaluation is not to focus on what is wrong and condemn it; rather, it is to highlight the positive aspects of the system that make it work, as well as to identify what went wrong as a basis for improving the system From the findings most health workers (53.1%) felt that the electronic HMIS in KNH had achieved its objectives which will in return lead to effective utilisation of HMIS and better healthcare service delivery.