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Factors contributing to poor healthcare data quality: qualitative study from Southern Ethiopia

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Abstract

Background

Although quality information is key to reliable healthcare, health management information system (HMIS) data in low-income countries are inaccurate and not reliable. So, health managers should monitor quality of data and factors affecting it for system improvements. Hence, this study explored factors affecting HMIS data quality in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in southern Ethiopia and included 15 key informants working at different levels of health system. Tools were developed following Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) conceptual framework, which includes behavioral, technical and organizational factors. Data were analyzed manually using descriptive approach and framework analysis.

Results

The complexity of reporting forms and registers, inflexibility and low coverage of electronic health management information system (eHMIS) and frequent failure of computer system were some of technical challenges reported. Knowledge gaps of indicators definition, data handling, data analysis and interpretation and maintaining computer system were noted as major challenges at all levels. Negligence, low commitment and political influences were also noted in some cases. Moreover, inappropriate personnel assignment to the positions responsible for HMIS is causing difficulties in data management and use. Organizational and managerial supports to solve the challenges were reported insignificant.

Conclusion

Strengthening technical supports like training and mentorship is crucial to familiarize HMIS personnel with the system and address technical gaps. Negligence and low commitment needing administrative responses should be handled accordingly. Insufficient organizational efforts to maintain HMIS data quality and use show the need to advocate HMIS to decision-makers. Finally, in-depth investigation of reasons behind low commitment and political influence is needed to better understand root causes and links.

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Data availability

All relevant data are within the manuscript. No additional data is available for public.

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Acknowledgements

Not applicable.

Funding

This study was supported by SNNPR Health Bureau (Award number not available). The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Manuscript writing was not supported financially.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. SNNPR Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia

    Misganu Endriyas, Abraham Alano, Emebet Mekonnen, Sinafikish Ayele, Mekonnen Shiferaw, Temesgen Kelaye, Tebeje Misganaw & Teka Samuel

  2. Hawassa Health Science College, Hawassa, Ethiopia

    Samuel Hailu & Tesfahun Hailemariam

Authors
  1. Misganu Endriyas
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  2. Abraham Alano
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  3. Emebet Mekonnen
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  4. Samuel Hailu
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  6. Sinafikish Ayele
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  7. Mekonnen Shiferaw
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  9. Tebeje Misganaw
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  10. Teka Samuel
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Contributions

All authors contributed to conception and design and data collection. ME collected, transcribed and managed data, prepared report and manuscript. ME and AA did manuscript revisions. AA and EM facilitated finance and managed overall study. SH, TH, SA, MS, TK, TM and TS collected and transcribed data and compared with field notes. All authors read and approved final version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Misganu Endriyas.

Ethics declarations

Competing interest

All authors have no competing interest and declare that this study is original article.

Ethics and consent

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Board of Regional Health Bureau (Ref. £’6-19-2762). Support letter was written to each study areas. Verbal consent was approved and taken after through explanation of study benefits. The reason for choosing verbal consent was as the operational research was conducted by regional health bureau, respondents who had no exposure to research may hesitate to respond freely if asked to sign since written consent is not common in the study area. Finally, all information obtained were anonymized and kept confidential.

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Verbal consent was approved and used. No personal detail is presented.

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Endriyas, M., Alano, A., Mekonnen, E. et al. Factors contributing to poor healthcare data quality: qualitative study from Southern Ethiopia. Health Technol. 13, 245–251 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-023-00741-7

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