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Health Management Information System in Private Clinics in Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
This descriptive survey was conducted among private clinics located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria to determine the awareness and level of involvement of private clinic operators towards the National Health Management Information System. A total of 37 functional clinics responded to the survey. Structured questionnaire and direct observation were used to collect data.
Most of the respondents interviewed in the clinic were the medical directors (73.0%). About two-thirds (67.6%) were aware of the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS); awareness was not associated with length of establishment of the clinic or the profession of the proprietor. Very low proportion (10.8%) was able to correctly mention the two types of Diseases Surveillance and Notification (DSN) forms. Awareness of how often the forms are to be sent to the next level was also low.
While almost all respondents considered data collection important in health facilities, only 11 (29.7%) out of the 37 health facilities had ever been supplied NHMIS forms, only 6 (16.22%) had any NHMIS forms during the interview and only 4 (36.4%) had made returns within the previous 6 months of the study.
A large proportion of the Nigerian populace patronize private health facilities, with the low level of the private sector involvement in the National Health Management information System significant health information remains unavailable. The private sector involvement needs to be enhanced with adequate training, supply of relevant forms and regular supervision.
Key words: Management, Information System, Clinics
Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol.46(5-6) 2004: 103-107
Most of the respondents interviewed in the clinic were the medical directors (73.0%). About two-thirds (67.6%) were aware of the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS); awareness was not associated with length of establishment of the clinic or the profession of the proprietor. Very low proportion (10.8%) was able to correctly mention the two types of Diseases Surveillance and Notification (DSN) forms. Awareness of how often the forms are to be sent to the next level was also low.
While almost all respondents considered data collection important in health facilities, only 11 (29.7%) out of the 37 health facilities had ever been supplied NHMIS forms, only 6 (16.22%) had any NHMIS forms during the interview and only 4 (36.4%) had made returns within the previous 6 months of the study.
A large proportion of the Nigerian populace patronize private health facilities, with the low level of the private sector involvement in the National Health Management information System significant health information remains unavailable. The private sector involvement needs to be enhanced with adequate training, supply of relevant forms and regular supervision.
Key words: Management, Information System, Clinics
Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol.46(5-6) 2004: 103-107
