Publication: National Needs Assessment of Health Information System to Address Cardiovascular Diseases in Nepal: A Mixed Method Study
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Health information system is an integral component of a country’s capacity to
integrate, process, report, and use information in improving health services.
Objective
This study aims to assess the infrastructure and capacity of the national Health
information system to address cardiovascular diseases in Nepal.
Method
We adopted the United States Agency for International Development manual
“The Health System Assessment Approach: A How-To Manual”, Version 2.0. Three
topical areas: input, process and output, were identified. Stepwise approach for
Health information system assessment was done. A desk review and key informant
interview was performed. Audio recordings were transcribed in Nepali language and
intercoder reliability was checked.
Result
The upgraded District Health Information Software 2.3 provides a comprehensive
online data management solution. Sustainable funding to upgrade the system
exists. Annual report provides performance of all the components of the health care
delivery system. Data were reviewed quarterly. However, no dedicated section for
cardiovascular diseases in the Health information system is present. Private health
facilities are poorly represented. Strategic planning, management, and evaluation of
the Health information system are lacking. Inadequacy of timeliness, completeness,
and periodicity of the reporting still exist.
Conclusion
A separate section of cardiovascular diseases in the Health information system
is required. Better reporting of private sectors and its inclusion in databases is of
utmost importance. Adaptation in the recently introduced federal structure is key for
development of Health information system in the country.
KEY WORDS
CVDs, Health information management system, needs assessment, indicators, Nepal
Description
Karmacharya RM,1,2 Shestha AP,2,3 Shrestha A,4-7 Bajracharya S,4 Maharjan R,2,4,8 Shrestha S,4 Jha N,4 Pyakurel P9
1Department of Surgery (Cardio Thoracic and
Vascular Surgery Unit), Dhulikhel Hospital,
Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre,
Nepal 2Fellow, CVD Translational Research Program,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal. 3Department of General
Practice and Emergency Medicine, Kathmandu
University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel,
Kavrepalanchok, Nepal. 4Department of Community
Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University
Hospital, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal. 5Department
of Public Health, Kathmandu University School
of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal.
6Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale
School of Public Health, New Haven, USA. 7Institute
for Implementation Science and Health, Kathmandu,
Nepal. 8Department of Nursing and Midwifery,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal. 9School of Public Health and
Community Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health
Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
Keywords
CVDs, Health information management system, needs assessment, indicators, Nepal