Health Information System Strengthening Model: HIS Performance
The main purpose of a health information system (HIS) is to produce high-quality information to meet decision making needs at all levels. We can measure the performance of an HIS within the data use and data quality area of the Health Information System Strengthening Model (HISSM).
Quality data is complete, timely, and accurate. Each data source—routine and nonroutine—has its own mechanisms, such as data quality review procedures, to ensure data quality.
Data use “…is the analysis, synthesis, interpretation, and review of data as part of decision-making processes, regardless of the source of data” (Nutley & Reynolds, 2013). Data use—a key output of a strong HIS—relies on data from multiple data sources and should occur at every level of the health system—formally and informally, planned and ad hoc.
Subareas of HIS performance are data quality and the use of such data, are described below.
Area |
Subareas |
Examples |
HIS performance |
Data quality |
One measure of HIS performance is that the data collected are high-quality |
Data use |
Another HIS performance measure is that HIS data are used to generate health indicators, statistics, trends, and service coverage, and to make evidence-informed decisions that meet health needs |
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