Browsing by Author "Boadu, Richard Okyere"

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    The role of Quality Improvement Process (QIP) in enhancing the effectiveness of routine health information system for health service planning in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipal of Ghana
    (November, 2015) Boadu, Richard Okyere
    Decision making in health is influenced by the quality of health information generated by the health system. Routine Health Information System (RHIS) is one of such information integral and forms over 90% health information. Yet RHIS is faced with huge challenges which reduce its decision making and planning yield. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the magnitude of dysfunction in the RHIS in most health districts, Ejisu Juaben Municipal Health Directorate (EJMHD) in Ashanti Region being no exception. This study assessed the role of Quality Improvement Process (DQIP) in improving RHIS in planning and decision making. A quasi-experimental, uncontrolled before and after study involving the development of a Data Quality Improvement Process (DQIP) training module to train health staff, establish a team with the quality improvement framework for monitoring over a twelve-month period in the EJMHD. The modelled Data Quality Improvement Process (DQIP) involved RHIS management assessment tool (adapted from the Performance of Routine Information System Management [PRISM] tool package) which was administered to 141 health staff and management in 18 health facilities in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality before and after the intervention.The study evaluated the impact of the modelled Data Quality Improvement Process (DQIP) on RHIS performance at the end of the intervention period through a cross-sectional survey. Health staff and management had relatively high confidence in undertaking RHIS tasks such as data analysis, interpretation and use of data. On the contrary, their actual performance of RHIS tasks scored objectively, yielded low average scores. The baseline and endline results indicated improvement in competency gaps, after the intervention, in analysis (-37%:+3%), interpretation (-42%:+10%) and use of data (-45%:+3%) respectively. Performance in the use of RHIS at the facility level improved significantly from 30 percent in baseline to 90 percent in the endline; and similar trends were observed in other parameters. The study concludes that Quality Improvement Process (QIP) drives the effectiveness and performance of RHIS. Scaling up DQIP in the health system will necessarily lead to improved RHIS performance.
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    The use of health information system for planning and decision-making in Ejisu-Juaben District of Ghana
    (2004-11-14) Boadu, Richard Okyere
    Health Information Systems (HIS) integrate data collection, processing, reporting, and use of information necessary for improving health service effectiveness and efficiency through better management at all level of health care system. This study determines the use of HIS for planning and decision-making in Ejisu-Juaben District of Ghana. The study type was descriptive and the study design is cross-sectional survey, which employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. This study focused on source, storage and retrieval of data, knowledge and skills of Data Collectors, data analysis and use of information, coordination and networking, monitoring and information feedback, and factors leading to underutilization of information for planning and decision-making. Sample size of 30 Health Managers and 60 Data Collectors were purposively selected from the various facilities. Routine data is the main source of information in the district health service. Most of the respondents rely on paper form of storage as the only means of storing data and information and this make information retrieval very difficult. About forty-five percents of Data Collectors do not have adequate knowledge and skills in data compilation and analysis. Most Data Collectors have not acquired any training in HIS. Raw data is normally transmitted to next level. Consequently, some Managers either transform the raw data into the required information needed or make decisions based on personal intuition. The research revealed that there is no central database within health facilities and the District as a whole and dissemination of information is done through meetings, circulars, morbidity and mortality conference, and review of reports. The present procedures of acquiring information delays planning and decision-making. Some monitoring is done, yet information feedback from Managers to Data Collectors is rarely done. Factors such as shortage of data collection tools, shortage of personnel, delay in submission of returns, and lack of computers appeared to affect utilization of HIS in the district health service. It is recommended that the district health administration provides logistics such as cabinet, computers as well as ensuring regular maintenance of these equipments. There should be prompt dissemination of information and regular monitoring and feedback. Also there should be regular training in data collection, analysis and use of information. In addition, community participation in planning and decision-making be encouraged.