Improving data quality and information utilization at Metema Primary Hospital, Amhara national regional state, Northwest Ethiopia 2018: Capstone project

Abstract

Quality data for evidence-based decision making become a growing concern globally. Available information needs to be disseminated on time and used for decision making. Therefore, an effective Health Management Information System is essential to make evidence-based decision. This study aimed to measure the change in data quality and information utilization before and after intervention. Facility-based pre-post interventional study design was conducted at Metema hospital from September/2016 to December30/2018. A total of 384 individual medical-records, HMIS registration-books and reports were reviewed. Training, supportive supervision and feedback were intervention packages. About 309 (80.5%) of charts were from outpatient department. Data recording completeness increased from 69.0% to 96.0%, data consistency increased from 84.0% to 99.5% and report timeliness enhanced from 66.0% to 100%. There was a statistically significant difference for data recording completeness between pre and post-intervention results with mean difference of −0.246 (−0.412, −0.081). Also, after the intervention, gap-filling feedback and supportive supervision were given to all departments. In addition, four quality improvement projects were developed at post-intervention phase. The level of data quality and use was improved after the intervention. So, designing and implementing intervention strategies based on the root causes will help to improve data quality and use.