Evaluation of the District Health Information System in District Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the factors influencing the performance of Health Information System in districts Swabi & Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

 Methodology: This Interventional study was carried out at in two districts i.e. Swabi and Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan and conducted from June, 2015 to May, 2016. For data collection, a modified structured questionnaire was used. Population of the study included all health facilities in both the districts. Intervention regarding horizontal integration was conducted in District Nowshera while District Swabi was taken as control. This study was carried out in three stages. Baseline assessment was done in first three months. During the next six months in District Nowshera, training and implementing the horizontal integration of the EPI program and LHW program reporting with that of DHIS. Post-intervention assessment was done in last three months.

Results: The baseline results were taken in pre-intervention stage. The results of post intervention were significant enough to perceive that the integration of data from EPI and LHW with that of existing HIS is possible. The least significant results were produced by the use of information, utilization of data for the purpose of decision, health planning & management, still to be improved. The results also show e lack of enforcement and regulation by the concern authorities in regulating the feedback system in HIS.

 Conclusion:  The main issues were lack of enthusiasm, inability to understand the significance of the HIS, lack of proper skills and uncooperative attitude of the authorities.