From data to decision making in health. The evolution of a health management information system.

Data are collected or aggregated at every level of health care systems, but are not always put to use. From Data to Decision Making in Health argues that collecting the right data, converting it to information and putting it to work in making decisions can both increase commitment among staff and provide a firm basis for management. Information can help to connect decisions to the realities of the situation - for example, who is being served, whether targets are realistic and being met in the time specified, and trends over time. A health management information system (MIS) in which information is used for decision making at the level where it is generated allows health facility staff to see if they are getting results; it also helps other management levels to identify health facilities, districts and regions in need of support and supervision. This makes it possible to use information to make better decisions about the allocation of scarce resources, and to improve the quality and coverage of health care services.
This case study from Ghana illustrates the difficulties of a transition from a reporting system, in which data is simply passed along to higher levels, to a management information system. Here data collection leads to self assessment and decision making, and the information produced moves in a circle, feeding back into the system. A comprehensive picture of the MIS design process and the lessons learned emerges, which is generally applicable to the implementation of MIS in developing countries. Examples of MIS tools are given, including blank copies for your own use.