Evaluation of quality and use of health management information system in primary health care units of east Wollega zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia:

BACKGROUND: Health care practice relies on evidence-based decisions and needs the use of quality health care data. Health management information system (HMIS) is among the core elements of health system building blocks. In our study setting, there is a lack of adequate information on the quality of health information data. This study aimed at exploring the quality of health management information system data in terms of timeliness, completeness, and accuracy. The specific objectives were to evaluate the quality and use of the health management information system in Primary health care units of East Wollega zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2016 on 316 health professionals/health information technicians. The sample was obtained by simple random sampling technique. Qualitative data were obtained from 16 purposefully selected key informants by Focus group discussion (FGD). We observed 50 selected health facilities using an observation checklist. We analyzed quantitative data by SPSS version 20 using descriptive and logistic regression analysis techniques. we applied a thematic analysis approach to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS: Timeliness of report, registration completeness, report completeness, and data accuracy level of the selected facilities were 70, 78.2, 86, and 48%, respectively. All results are below the expected national standards. Commonly reported reasons for the poor practice of data quality were; poor support of management, lack of accountability for the false report, poor supportive supervision, and lack of separate and responsible unit for health information management. CONCLUSION: The Health information management system is poorly coordinated at the primary health units. Accountability should be assured through continuous in-service training, supportive supervision, and concrete feedbacks. Electronic management of health information should be available in primary health care units.