Assessing The Status And Effectiveness Of Health Management Information System: The Case Of Jimma University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) integrate data collection, processing, reporting, and use of information utilization for improving health service effectiveness and efficiency through better management system for top management and decision makers. HMIS systems increase the effectiveness of health care service depending on the accuracy, timely, relevance and completeness. Valid information and interpretation of information is required and is the basis for decision making and policy planning for top management in the hospitals. The main aim of this study was to assess the status and effectiveness of Health Management Information System in JUTH as per WHO standard. The study type was descriptive and the study design was quantitative. This study focused on assessing how report is summarized, and how data are stored and accessed or retrieved. It also includes data analysis and use of information, monitoring of information of health services delivery to utilization of reports for decision-making. The sampling technique of the study was purposive. The survey result shows that, the effectiveness, information accessibility and storage of JUTH HMISwas below the standard set by WHO (2008), which is less than 80% for the major factors: accuracy, relevance, timeliness and completeness. Because of this, it is very difficult for further utilization of data and information from the existing HMIS system of JUTH as per the standard of the WHO. It is highly recommended to organize awareness creation training programs for the staffs of the Hospital who are dealing with record keeping. There is also needed to decentralize the ICT services of the University and build Electronic Health Record so that information is effectively shared and used whenever needed.