Assessing the Functionality of Health Management and Information System (HMIS) in Selected Health Care Facilities in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The Global knowledge of health care delivery has been predicated on the effective health information management system. However, the developing nations lags behind in the effective coordination and sharing of information in contrast to the developed nations. The study examines the functionality of health management system in selected healthcare facilities in Ondo state, Nigeria. Method: Mixed method research design was adopted for the study while both primary and secondary data were obtained. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in which Ondo state was segregated along the existing three senatorial districts. Subsequently, a local government was picked randomly from each senatorial district. Using a simple random sampling technique, 14 hospitals were selected from the selected settlements. In-depth interview was conducted on the managers of the selected facilities along with structured interview-guide and observation checklist. Variables that were considered includes; availability of M and E Officers, whether or not M and E Officers received training on HIS, availability of Functional M and E, the means by which M and E take record, Regularity of M and E returns, the proportion of M and E that submitted their M and E, regularity of MIS submission, whether or not the facilities Completed Annual statistics. Descriptive statistics (simple percentages) was used to analyse the data while qualitative data (In-depth Interview (IDI) which complement the data were content analysed. Result: It was revealed that, 21.43% of the sampled facilities had M and E officers, while 21.43% of the facilities were regular in returning their M & E returns form. The only facility (General Hospital, Igbokoda) that complied with the monthly returned her M & E form, though at an interval of almost six months. About 14.3% made annual compilation of their statistics, while 7.14% facility that used her HMIS for action plan. Conclusion: Health information was found to be poor and substandard compare to developed nations due to poor planning. Policy on health information in health facilities should be enforced by the ministry of health.