Vicki Bennett Technical Director Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub

Vicki BennettTechnical DirectorHealth Information Systems Knowledge HubSchool of Population HealthUniversity of Queensland

Health Information Systems Health Information Systems Knowledge HubKnowledge Hub

Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub 2009


Strengthening Health Systems Through Strengthening Health Systems Through EvidenceEvidence



Goal of the Knowledge HubsGoal of the Knowledge Hubs• To contribute to the quality and effectiveness of

Australia’s engagement in the health sector in the Asia Pacific region through expanded expertise and an expanded knowledge base that is of practical value and used by stakeholders in development.

• The aim is to: – increase the critical, conceptual and strategic analysis

of key health system issues– expand convening powers and engagement between all

the key stakeholders in development in the Asia-Pacific region

– effectively disseminate relevant and useful knowledge – expand the capacity of Australian and regional

institutions and professionals


Defining Health Information SystemsDefining Health Information Systems

Health Metrics Network (HMN) Framework and Standards for Country Health Information Systems http://www.who.int/healthmetrics/en/


Mapping of HIS in Pacific Island Mapping of HIS in Pacific Island CountriesCountries

• A mapping of the health information systems in: – Vanuatu– Solomon Islands– Fiji– Tonga – Nauru– Cook Islands– Wallis and Futuna

• Using the HMN Framework

• Identify areas for further analysis and research that are common across countries


Vanuatu Mapping – Vanuatu Mapping – what are we learning?what are we learning?

• The reporting burden from ‘vertical’ programs is crippling at the ground level if we don’t think strategically about what it is we REALLY NEED to know to manage programs.

• 600 data items on 8 pages reported every month!

• This is either: • not being done leading to incomplete data

collections, or • the time taken to complete these forms is at the

expense of patient care.


Vanuatu Mapping – Vanuatu Mapping – what are we learning?what are we learning?

• Routine, monthly collection from every centre may not be the best way to get the answers we need for program M & E. How frequently do we really need to collect this based on use?

• Find natural synergies for data transmission, eg:• Attach data reporting to stores ordering on a 2

monthly cycle.

• Help local staff to not only use data but to look at it critically...Ask the questions• “Can this be true?”• “Does this make sense?”


Vanuatu – HIS MappingVanuatu – HIS Mapping


Critical Review of HIS Developments Critical Review of HIS Developments in the Asia Pacificin the Asia Pacific

• HIS is a neglected area of research

• Comprehensive critical assessment of previous HIS developments and their outcomes

• Define what ‘success’ in HIS development looks like, i.e. what is the minimum level of data and systems for effective health systems

• Find out what has been done, by whom, and where?

• Learn from successes and failures and understand the ingredients for each - what worked, what didn’t and why?


Field-testing guidelines for assessing Field-testing guidelines for assessing Vital Registration SystemsVital Registration Systems

• Tool developed in 2008 for assessing the quality and functioning of country Vital Registration (VR) systems

• In-depth assessment of the VR system used to refine the tool and provide evidence about the best methods for its use

• HIS Hub field testing the tool in Sri Lanka and Philippines, in collaboration with WHO


Site tour of Site tour of Registrar Registrar Offices in Offices in PhilippinesPhilippines

Official Launch of Official Launch of VR Assessment VR Assessment in Sri Lankain Sri Lanka


Building Networks RegionallyBuilding Networks Regionally- Pacific Health Information Network- Pacific Health Information Network

• Support, knowledge transfer and training for those working as health information professionals in the Pacific

• Meeting and training was held in Nadi - September 2009


Pacific HIS Development Forum –Pacific HIS Development Forum –2-3 November in Brisbane 2-3 November in Brisbane

• Based on the HMN Framework, partners from the Pacific will be invited to present on HIS issues, challenges and activities in their own countries or regionally

• Discussion and presentations will be synthesised and published with Pacific co-authors to increase the knowledge-base for HIS in the Pacific

• Open invitation – see the HIS Knowledge Hub website for more information


Regional and Domestic Training Regional and Domestic Training InitiativesInitiatives

• Skills of both Australians and partner countries for HIS development will be built initially through:– Scholarship for an Australian Masters student– Senior Fellow residencies of 1-2 semesters at SPH,

UQ from partner countries– Development of HIS curriculum– Exploration of the issues in relation

to HIS training/curriculum in the Asia Pacific region


It is not good enough to just improve the collection of data -

Senior managers and decision makers must

be convinced that they cannot make decisions without

information

Vicki Bennett Technical Director Health Information Systems Knowledge Hub

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