INFLUENCE OF SOURCE OF DATA, INFORMATION FLOWS AND EXCHANGE PLATFORMS ON LEVEL OF HIS FEEDBACK IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES

Abstract

Purpose: Data collection is the first step of the information process within the health information system, so health information systems are often classified according to data collection method. The general objective of the study was to evaluate influence of source of data, information flows and exchange platforms on level of HIS feedback in public health facilities Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: The study concludes that there was feedback at all levels in the HIS. The feedback was on referrals, disease prevalence rates and policy implementation. The feedback was beneficial in terms of helping the health facilities improve data collection, information processing and general implementation of the Health policies. Feedback provided was relevant especially from the Ministry of Health. Recommendations: There is need for Ministry of Health should to increase interaction (feedback) with the lower level health facilities. Ministry of Health should give priority to all health facilities in terms of processing information obtained and feedback given on timely basis. This will improve decision making in all facilities that share information through HIS. Moreover ministry of Health and Administrators of Health facilities should strengthen HIS for the benefit of improving service delivery in the Health Sector. This can be through increasing capacity of the HIS to satisfy needs of all stakeholders