Health Information SystemsSWAT Team

51st Meeting of PIHOANovember 16, 2011Honolulu, HI

Edward Diaz

morning lunch Imm. AL Afternoon Closing0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

Fig 1. Attentiveness of Participants by Time.

Introduction

The Health Metrics Network (HMN) was launched in 2005.

Help countries and other partners improve global health by strengthening the systems that

generate health-related information for evidence-based decision-making.

Introduction....cont

Focuses on two core requirements of health system strengthening Need to enhance entire health

information and statistical systems, rather than focus only upon specific diseases.

Concentrate efforts on strengthening country leadership for health information production and use.

What is HIS?

“Production, analysis, dissemination, and use of reliable and timely

information on health determinants, health systems and

health status.” (WHO 2007)

What domains should a HIS cover?

Health Metrics Network, WHO. 2008. Framework and standards for country health information systems. 2nd Ed.

HMN Framework Assessment Tool

Who is the HIS SWAT Team?

L-R: Dr. Rally Jim (Pohnpei), Dr. Mark Durand (PIHOA), Edlen Anzures (RMI), Angie Techur (PIHOA), Edward Diaz (CNMI), and Mindy Sugiyama (Palau)

First HIS Assessment

HIS SWAT TEAM

INFORMATION MATTERS

During a Mission!

Lessons Learned from the on-site assessment

Identified some of the issues and solutions that the islands share in common

Understanding the barriers existing within each programs by doing an onsite observation

Advantages of building in-region consultants

Build local consulting capacity Better understanding of regional goals and

objectives Ability to share and learn from each other Local/internal consultant requires less ramp up

time on a project due to familiarity with the institution, and is able to guide a project through to implementation — a step that would often be too costly if an external consultant were used

Internal consultant costs are accounted for on both project and organizational level to evaluate cost effectiveness

Next Steps: Advocacy Representation Capacity building

HIS Stats literacy

Standards and guidelines Quality

Next Steps: Ask that leadership at all levels to coach, inspire,

motivate, and lead efforts to create shared HIS visions and values and use these principles to guide actions.

Formalize discussions with stakeholders and information users to better define their needs and requirements and adaptation of HIS to fill those defined needs by developing clear STANDARDS & GUIDELINES for data collection and reporting procedures.

Thank you!