FACTORS RELATED TO QUALITY DATA WHICH DETERMINE HEALTH INFORMATION UTILIZATION IN MAKING DECISION AMONG HEALTHCARE MANAGERS IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Purpose: This was a study based on Health Information Systems pillar. The study sought to explore factors related to quality data which influence health information utilization in making decision among healthcare managers in Mombasa County.Methodology: This was a Descriptive Survey Study design where desired data was obtained from selected respondents by semi-structured questionnaires. The research targeted a total of 303 healthcare managers in Mombasa County which comprised of 21 County Health Management Team (CHMT) members, 56 Sub-county Health Management Team (SCHMT) members from the four sub-counties, 43 facility In-Charges from the 43 public health facilities and 183 Heads of Departments (HODs). A sample size of 91 healthcare managers was used in the study. This was 30% of the target population and were randomly selected. A response rate of 98.9% was achieved. Descriptive and Inferential analysis was done. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 23.Findings: Results revealed that quality data factors (β4 = 0.298; t = 4.079; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of health information utilization in making decision among healthcare managers in Mombasa County. These results imply that improvement in these variables (data accuracy, completeness and timeliness) will enhance health information utilization. How these variables are accomplished influence the level of health information utilization in making decision.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: When the study recommendations are implemented, there will be assured quality data which will assist in coming up with the design of disease prevention, interventions and to monitor and evaluate the progress made on the measures put in place. By doing so, the study will have validated the theory of Evidence Based Health Information System by Carbone, (2009), on which the study was anchored. Quality data is, therefore, not only crucial in securing health status description, service coverage, and performance, but also inspires confidence in the HIS among healthcare managers. The study recommends that the MOH introduces HMIS as a subject in the pre-service curriculum of all healthcare cadres in order to improve HIS. Mombasa County Government should ensure that quality data is generated (with regards to accuracy, completeness and timeliness) at all levels of the health systems for purposes of accountability and more importantly its utility to improve healthcare programs, to survive and prosper in the current dynamic healthcare environment