Paving the Way for Effective Decision Support: Understanding and Overcoming Obstacles in Integrating Tools with Health Information Systems in Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract This systematic review examines the obstacles hindering the integration of decision support tools (DST) with health information systems (HIS) in developing countries, contributing to developing efficient strategies that foster DST and HIS integration, ultimately raising the standard of healthcare in Tanzania. The study focuses on understanding the contextual factors contributing to these obstacles and identifies potential strategies to overcome them. The review adopts a comprehensive approach by analyzing relevant literature from various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Emerald and Google Scholar. Key findings reveal common challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, lack of technical expertise, and contextual barriers specific to each country. The review also highlights successful DST and HIS integration instances in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of understanding contextual issues for effective integration. The results of this review provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance the integration of DST with HIS in Tanzania.