Masters Dissertations

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Browsing Masters Dissertations by Author "Chilaisha, Patricia Sundaram"

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    Analyzing the process of integration of health information systems from technical and institutional perspectives: the case of immunization system in Zambia
    (Unversity of Dar es Salaam, 2010) Chilaisha, Patricia Sundaram
    This research analyzes the integration process of Health Information Systems in Zambia. Specifically, the objectives were: i) to study and understand the challenges encountered in the process of integrating the Health Information Systems with immunization program in Zambia; ii) to explore the approaches and strategies to deal with these challenges in general and specifically in Zambia from technical and institutional perspectives; iii) to make recommendations on ways of carrying out a successful integration of Health Information Systems in developing countries of similar context to Zambia. This study drew upon concepts from the institutional theory to analyze data gathered. Furthermore, the PRISM framework was adopted, as a lens with which to gain understanding of the factors influencing the status of the Health Information Systems in Zambia. Revision of the Health Information Systems in 2006 led to an increase in the data elements and new tools were introduced. However, these tools are not well institutionalized because they are too many; procedures of recording, tallying and reporting are too cumbersome. Other problems of the integrated Health Management Information System are facility staff unable to analyze their data; data flow is delayed and is inadequate, hence frustrating the work of program managers; data sharing mechanism does not exist. Improvement in the timeliness of Health Management Information System reporting may be achieved by increased awareness of the importance of data at the facility level and motivation of the staff through training. Having a functional Performance Assessment component may motivate the staff in improving their use of information for planning, monitoring and evaluation.