Critical factors influencing data use and utilization in health systems: a focus on data and interoperability standards for health information exchange (HIE) in Uganda’s health care system

Abstract

Abstract Limited use and utilization of health data in Uganda’s health care system is influenced by various factors including: absence of standardized data formats, lack of data governance policies, unskilled data management human resources, limited data use culture, poor data quality, complacency, limited political will and lack of interoperability. Worse still, the existing data interoperability standards, primarily designed for developed world health systems, may not be suitable for Uganda due to differences in health information maturity levels. This paper examines the critical factors affecting data use and utilization in Uganda, specifically focusing on interoperability and data standards. A cross-sectional design was used in this study in selected health facilities with electronic systems in Uganda. Purposive sampling was used to select sites and participants based on predetermined criteria. The study included 28 health center IVs, referral hospitals, government entities and eHealth stakeholders. The findings highlight key factors including limited data collection and management systems, poor data quality, inadequate data analysis capacity, absence of data exchange standards, limited technology access, inadequate funding and deficiencies in data sharing and dissemination. These factors, if addressed through data and interoperability standards, can play a pivotal role in promoting efficient and effective health care delivery and outcomes in Uganda.