Using Health Management Information System Data: Case Study and Verification of Institutional Deliveries in Ethiopia
2021
This article investigates the quality of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) data in Ethiopia through a data verification study, aiming to enhance its utility in research and policy. By linking HMIS data to the 2016 Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Assessment, the study compares reported delivery and caesarean section (C-section) visits in HMIS to source documents from 2,425 health facilities across Ethiopia. Findings indicate that two-thirds of facilities exhibit 'good' HMIS reporting for deliveries, with half demonstrating 'very good' reporting, consistent with C-section deliveries. Urban areas, public facilities, and hospitals (versus health centers) show higher odds of good reporting. However, discrepancies persist, particularly in regions like Somali and Afar. Despite challenges, the study underscores the importance of HMIS data use for research and policy, advocating for increased utilization of HMIS data elements and feedback mechanisms to ensure data quality and inform decision-making processes effectively. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to improve HMIS data reliability in Ethiopia, emphasizing the necessity for continued attention to data quality enhancement.
Source:
Arsenault C, Kassa M, Yakob B, Dinsa G, Verguet S. Using Health Management Information System Data: Case Study and Verification of Institutional Deliveries in Ethiopia. BMJ Global Health 2021; 6: e006216. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006216