Factors influencing implementation of vaccine information management system in Dar es salaam region, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: High-quality vaccination data is needed for decision making and planning at all levels within the health system. But unfortunately, vaccination data from developing countries are often considered to be of low quality. Poor quality data, planning, and decision making is difficult in the healthcare institutions and government regardless of how data is recorded and processed. Therefore, Better Immunization Data (BID) initiative was developed and implemented vaccine information management system (VIMS) as an intervention to improve immunization data quality and use. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore factors affecting the implementation of Vaccine Information Management System (VIMS) in Dar es Salaam region. Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional exploratory design which used a qualitative approach in exploring the factors affecting implementation of VIMS. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam at JSI headquarters, Kinondoni, Ubungo, Ilala district medical office and IVD headquarters involving the IVD program officers, JSI program developer and DIVOs from the selected districts. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to recruit participants. Data was collected using key informant interviews and observations therefore this study used primary data. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: A total of nine (9) participants were interviewed using key informant interviews. The study showed that VIMS information sharing, introduction, adoption, and governance were affected by several factors which either facilitated or hindered VIMS implementation. The factors that hindered VIMS implementation were poor internet and network connectivity, deficiency in ICT infrastructure, workload at the district level, shortage of staff, inadequate capacity building, inadequate skills, lack of staff motivation vi and individual perceptions. Complexity of the system and VIMS integration with other systems facilitated implementation of VIMS. Conclusion and recommendation: The implementation of VIMS in Dar es Salaam was affected by several factors that not only facilitated VIMS program implementation but also hindered the program as explored in this study. Factors that facilitated the implementation of VIMS were such as VIMS integration with other systems and user-friendliness of the system. VIMS implementation was hindered by the deficiency of ICT infrastructures, poor internet and network connectivity, shortage of staff, inadequate training and skills as well as lack of motivation. This study recommended constant maintenance of ICT infrastructure, an increase in the number of staff, a need for training of new recruits and conducting more refresher training to in-service workers.