Preliminary results of the HEARTS Initiative in Mexico: facilitators and barriers in information systems

Abstract

Objective. To compare the differences in treatment coverage of patients with systemic arterial hypertension and the proportion of patients with controlled AHT, between December 2020 and December 2021 in health facilities that implemented the HEARTS Initiative, and to explore the facilitators and barriers related to information systems in Mexico. Methods. Descriptive ecological observational study. The results at health facilities that have begun implementing the HEARTS Initiative (n=29) in Chiapas and Sonora were compared, with respect to the variables of treatment coverage and control of AHT, across four periods (semesters) in 2020 and 2021. Results. There were more women than men in treatment and with controlled AHT in the different age groups. Some barriers were identified in information systems (e.g., multiplicity of systems, lack of interoperability, limited internet connectivity in health facilities), as well as facilitators (e.g., free access to information, availability of data from previous years, generation of estimates and projections). Conclusions. Sixteen (55%) of the implementing facilities improved the proportion of patients with controlled AHT in the period covered by the study. It is important to monitor indicators at the process level, and this should be accompanied by a redistribution of functions in health teams. It is also important to ensure a supply of medicines to enhance the effectiveness of the strategy. It is suggested to strengthen implementation with the key drivers for the control of arterial hypertension.