Abstract

This research study falls in the Health Information Systems (HIS) domain, with a specific focus on electronic HIS (eHIS), including the District Health Information System version2 (DHIS2). The goal of the study was to establish the technical and organizational issues affecting interoperability of eHIS with DHIS2, with key objectives being: to establish the degree of similarity and conformity of eHIS reports to those in DHIS2, to identify common data transfer protocols and standards between other eHIS and DHIS2, and to identify organizational barriers to eHIS interoperability. Addressing eHIS interoperability barriers has the potential to optimize benefits in eHIS investments and make available timely, accurate, relevant and reliable data for decision making in the delivery of health services. The study used the mixed methods approach, and data sources included HMIS reports, system documentation from the Baobab health system and DHIS2, MoH HIS policies and strategic plans, semi structured interviews with district HMIS officers, CMED officers as well as DHIS2 and Baobab health systems developers and administrators. The study revealed the existence of technical and organizational issues to be fixed to attain eHIS interoperability. Specifically, there is need to ensure 100% match in the reporting formats of eHIS to conform to the DHIS2 reports, and to ensure all eHIS are implemented with protocols that exchange data with DHIS2. The MoH should establish and enforce minimum standards for eHIS implementation, coordination and interoperability. Adequate resources to be allocated to CMED to implement endorsed strategies and policies on eHIS.

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School	: School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Issued Date	: 2018

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