Health data system practices and its role in monitoring and evaluation: Diagnostic report of Punjab (Pakistan) hepatitis control program data systems

This report presents a comprehensive assessment and enhancement plan for the Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) in Punjab, Pakistan focusing specifically on hepatitis control as a case study.

This resource and the following information were contributed by Amna Aaqil.

Authors and their affiliation

Dr Hyder Ali Khan - CLEAR PCA, CERP

Key features

The key features of the resource include a comprehensive assessment and enhancement plan for the Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) in Punjab, Pakistan focusing specifically on hepatitis control as a case study. The Performance of Routine Information System (PRISM) toolkit was selected as a framework to identify and address critical gaps in the existing data systems, and to improve data accuracy, quality, and usability for better monitoring, evaluation, and decision-making in public health. It breaks down these gaps into Technical, Behavioral and Organizational determinants.

The resource's key content/messages include:

1. Purpose and focus: The primary purpose of the resource is to strengthen the HIMS in Punjab to support more effective hepatitis control efforts. It focuses on enhancing the electronic medical records (EMR) and health management information systems through standardized procedures, improved data collection methods, and better integration of data systems.
2. Assessment findings: The resource highlights key challenges in the current systems, such as inconsistent data collection practices, lack of standardized procedures, insufficient training, and poor data integration. Further, the data systems are more focused on output rather than outcomes, which impairs decision-makers’ ability to assess the program's impact. These issues lead to inaccurate tracking of hepatitis cases and hinder the effectiveness of public health interventions.
3. Recommendations: The resource provides strategic recommendations to address the identified gaps. These include the development and implementation of standardized SOPs, enhancement of EMR functionalities to capture comprehensive patient data, and integration of EMR with other relevant health data systems.
4. Training and capacity building: Emphasizing the importance of building the capacity of healthcare providers and data officers, the resource recommends regular training programs to ensure the effective use of the enhanced systems.
5. Impact on public health: The resource underscores the long-term benefits of improving HIMS for hepatitis control, such as more accurate data for policy-making, better resource allocation, and ultimately, progress towards the elimination of hepatitis by 2030. The resource underscores the strategic importance of selecting the Hepatitis Control Program as a test case for strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation systems. The program’s extensive reach across Punjab and its use of electronic data collection systems offer a unique opportunity to address data challenges within the broader healthcare system. By enhancing M&E capabilities within the HCP, the resource aims to create a replicable model for other public health programs. The emphasis on leveraging existing digital infrastructure highlights the potential for more accurate and timely data collection, which is critical for effective decision-making, resource allocation, and program improvement. This approach not only aids in achieving hepatitis elimination targets but also sets a precedent for system-wide M&E enhancements that can drive evidence-based decision-making across the healthcare sector in the province, which can be scaled up to other provinces or on a national level.

Overall, the resource is a critical tool for guiding the strategic enhancement of health information systems, aiming to support data-driven decision-making and improve public health outcomes in Punjab.

How have you used or intend to use this resource?

This resource can be used to gain insights into the current Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) in Punjab, Pakistan, specifically in the context of hepatitis control. The detailed analysis provided in the resource has been particularly helpful in identifying gaps and challenges in data collection, transmission, and usage within the existing systems. This has informed the development of recommendations aimed at enhancing data quality, improving monitoring and evaluation processes, and ultimately contributing to more effective program planning and decision-making. Through improving these processes, stronger data systems can lead to better policy decisions. The resource has also been instrumental in guiding the design of targeted interventions to strengthen the overall health information system in the province.

Why would you recommend it to other people?

I would recommend this resource to others because it provides a comprehensive and practical analysis of health information systems. It not only identifies critical gaps and challenges but also offers actionable recommendations that can significantly improve data management, monitoring, and decision-making processes. The insights and strategies outlined in the resource are applicable beyond just hepatitis control, making it a valuable tool for anyone involved in health system strengthening, data-driven policy-making, or program management.