Assessment of the Implementation Level of National Health Information System Policy on Data Quality and Information use in Ondo State, Nigeria
Abstract:
To better understand the practical
challenges of health data utilization in resource-limited settings, this study
explored key factors affecting the use of the National Health Management
Information System (NHMIS) in Ondo State. One of the foundational components of
any health system, the Health Management Information System (HMIS), brings
together data collection, processing, reporting, and usage. Although low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) have adopted health information systems as part
of broader health reforms, they often encounter difficulties in generating
high-quality data. A critical issue raised by district-level informants was the
limited human capacity to apply analytical tools and methods necessary for
converting data into actionable insights, largely due to insufficient training.
To investigate this further, twelve (12) key informants were purposively
selected based on their central roles in NHMIS data management within Ondo
State.
This study
revealed that there is a Staff Shortage and Work
Overload, Limited Training and Capacity Building, Inadequate Motivation and
Incentives, Infrastructure and Tool Gaps, Irregular Supervision and Feedback, and
Digital Literacy and Use of Technology. A lack of systematic investment in training, supervision, digital
tools, and motivation schemes can even render the most well-designed health
information systems ineffective in achieving their intended impact. As such,
stakeholders must prioritise expanding the HMIS workforce, standardizing training,
equipping facilities with necessary tools, strengthening supervision, and
integrating a digital health system.
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