Determinants of Physicians' Intention to Collect Data Exhaustively in Registries: an Exploratory Study in Bamako's Community Health Centres

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incomplete collection of health data is a prevalent problem in healthcare systems around the world, especially in developing countries. Missing data hinders progress in population health and perpetuates inefficiencies in healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the factors that predict the intention of physicians practicing in community health centres of Bamako, Mali, to collect data exhaustively in medical registries. DESIGN: A cross sectional study. METHOD: In January and February 2011, we conducted a study with a random sample of thirty two physicians practicing in community health centres of Bamako, using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, correlations and linear regression. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Trained investigators administered a questionnaire measuring physicians' sociodemographic and professional characteristics as well as constructs from the Theory of Planned Behaviour. RESULTS: Our results showed that physicians' intention to collect data exhaustively is influenced by subjective norms and by the physician's number of years in practice. CONCLUSIONS: the results of this study could be used as a guide for health workers and decision makers to improve the quality of health information collected in community health centers.