Improving the structure and performance of national health information systems:
Operational approach and strategic recommendations
Technical Series on Information for Decision-Making - PWR CHILE/09/HA/03
Cesar Gattini - Advisor on Health Analysis and Statistics, PAHO/WHO Representation in
Prepared and edited by the Office of the PAHO/WHO Representation in
PDF [122p.] available to download online:
http://new.paho.org/chi/images/PDFs/national%20health%20information%20%20systems-final%20.pdf
“...this document provides an operational approach and strategic recommendations to guide in the search for better National Health Information Systems (NHIS), through improving their structure and performance.
Under a logical framework approach, it takes into account the systematic critical aspects that tend to be found at NHIS and their corresponding solutions. The rationale for NHIS improvement is the needs for better availability, effectiveness and timeliness of information, in support of policy and decision-making in the health sector.
The document focuses on the identification, assessment, planning and improvement of the NHIS, including its components (institutional, technological and functional) and relevant elements (such as policies, standards, organization, resources, technology, processes and performance)...”
Contents
Introduction
Needs for Effective Information and Better Health Information Systems
Frequent Limitations in NHIS Structure and Performance
The Search for Better NHIS in Countries
Purpose of the Document and Intended Audience
Structure of the Document
The Operational Approach
A Systemic Approach
Description of the NHIS as a Nationwide Integrated System
Co-Existing Information, Statistical and Surveillance Systems
The NHIS Components
Specific Health Information Systems
Local Health Information Systems
The Contents of Information
Assessing the NHIS
The Reference for Assessment: The Country Adopted Model and Benchmarks
The Assessment Method
The Institutional Component
The Technological Component
The Functional Component
The Integration of the NHI Network
Planning the NHIS Improvement
Plans for NHIS Improvement
Options for Specific and Gradual NHIS Improvement
The Conditions to Ensuring an Effective Plan
The Objectives
Resources and Timetable
The Implementation Process
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Plan
Improving the NHIS Institutional Component
The Legal and Administrative Framework
The Development of Regulations, Criteria, Standards and Norms
Institutional Arrangement for Proper Collection and Production of Information
Defining the Information Contents
The Role of the National Health Authority
Institutional Arrangement for Resources and Technology
Improving the NHIS Technological Component
The Search for ICT Solutions
Development of ICT-Related Policies
ICT Implementation and Improvement
Elements and Options for Progressive Automation
Improving the NHIS Performance
Pre-Conditions for Effective Performance
Improving the Management of the NHIS
Improving the Production of Information
Improving the Integration of the Nationwide Information Network
Ensuring the Value of Information as a Key Input for Action
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