Browsing by Author "Badi, Hassani"

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    Assessment of the vertical health programmes information systems integration: a case of reproductive and child healthcare in Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Badi, Hassani
    There have been integration initiative efforts for Vertical Health Programmes (VHP) Information Systems (ISs) globally including Tanzania. These were inevitable initiatives as the ISs for VHPs were so much fragmented making it hard to get reliable information. This study aimed to assess the current status of integrated Health Information System (HIS) for the case of Reproductive and Child Health Services (RCHS) programme, how the integration objectives were achieved and strategies used during the process. Qualitative research method was used through structured and unstructured interviews, documents review and observation in the process of data collection. Data were analysed through content analysis in which findings were coded then sorted according to thematic areas. The thematic areas were then compared for their association across codes. The HIS integration process brought about three products; technology, revised data collection tools, and harmonized management. Currently 95 percent of RCHS routine data are collected using the integrated HMIS tools and almost all the RCHS routine data are available in DHIS2. However, achievement of the integration objectives has faced challenges particularly in adapting the three HIS integration products. The study also realized that the strategies used, "one fit all", did not take into account the facility structure, complexities of the services and the existing systems with installed bases. Following difficulties in adapting HMIS tool, the study recommends using Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in the facilities where the infrastructure allows.