Health information systems in the Pacific: a case study of Vanuatu

Type Journal Article - Documentation Note Series School of Population and Health, University of Queensland
Title Health information systems in the Pacific: a case study of Vanuatu
Author(s)
Issue 3
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2009
URL https://faculty.psau.edu.sa/filedownload/doc-7-pdf-f7c5213a8ce1cfc32b697f9e70e1b3b7-original.pdf
Abstract
The objective of this documentation note is to describe the current status of the health information system and its activities across the Vanuatu health sector. It is expected that the outcome of this will provide a strategic overview and preliminary diagnostics for use in determining areas requiring improvement and allow planning for future health information system activities. After a brief description of the Vanuatu context, the six components of the Health Metrics Network Framework and Standards for Country Health Information Systems (WHO 2008a) are used to describe the present state and potential of the Vanuatu health information system. To inform this analysis, a review of existing forms and databases was undertaken, as well as a number of consultations held with key stakeholders. It was found that Vanuatu has some of the foundational building blocks for a successful health information system already in place. The core findings of the analysis were:

While there has been significant support for improvements to the national health information system from a broad range of international donors and counterparts, health information system support has been irregular over time and this has led to a disjointed system with a lack of coordination and integration of existing elements.

• There is an urgent need to resolve human resourcing issues and health information system governance within the ministry of health (MoH) and provincial offices to ensure sustainability of human or technical resources.

• Current data collection methods are overly complicated and create a burden on clinicians. There is a need to simplify the community health data collection by redesigning the monthly health information system reports for health centres, dispensaries and aid posts, to increase the timeliness and reduce disincentives for completing reports.

• Health data need to be comparable, using the same definitions and methods for collection. There is a need to develop a set of national health information standards (including a health data dictionary, standards for information and communications technology, data analysis and use).

• A health information system strategic action plan is needed to clearly define, prioritise and align future health information system activities into the wider policies of the MoH.

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