Factors associated with the use of multiple Routine Data Collection Systems (RDS) by national health programmes in Tanzania.

Abstract

Background: Fragmentation of data and duplication of reporting by vertical programmesas a result of multiple data reporting systemsare among the major challenges facing the central Health Management Information System (HMIS).Data reporting systems developed by vertical programmes often overlap with national HMIS thus adding a burden to health providers. However, there lacks evidence on factors influencing usage of multiple routine data systems in Tanzania. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing the use of multiple routine data collection systems (RDS) by national health programmes in Tanzania Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted at central ministry of health ICT and HMIS units and vertical programmes between February and May, 2016. Fourteen respondents from the vertical programs, donors‟ community, ministry of health ICT and HMIS sections were interviewed. Main issues which were asked included the reasons for existence of multiple routine data collections systems, challenges and strategies of integrating multiple routine data collection system. Content analysis technique was used to group responses in themes. Results: All respondents reported to have multiple routine data collection systems in their respective departments and programmes. Five major reasons for using multiple RDS were; different programmes requiring different types of data, influence by development partners , inability of the national HMIS to meet programmers‟ data requirements, lack of transparency in accessing the national HMIS data by the vertical programmes and development partners and lack of coordination between ministry of health , vertical programmes and partners. A number of strategies to integrate existing multiple routine data collection systems such as: development of health data policy, improvement of coordination and governance of data systems and data use initiatives, development of national data warehouse, development of interoperability layer (data mediator) and data standards and improvement of software project management. Challenges facing the ministry of health Tanzania in integrating multiple information systems included differences in expectations among vertical programmes; and resource constraints Conclusion: This study has shown that differences in the underlying motives for data requirements among key actors are a major factor behind the existence of multiple information systems in the country. Despite positive intentions to integrate information systems, donor dependency in financing vertical programmes activities act as a major challenge to the Ministry of health‟s efforts in spearheading strategies for integration. Therefore, adequate resources are needed for the Ministry of health to maintain its own data warehouse and support the development of an inter-operability layer that will link it with data warehouses stationed outside the Ministry. Key words: Routine data collection, Health information systems, vertical programs and data quality.