Sudan National Health Information System: Assessment of Resources at Federal Level- 2014

Abstract

Abstract Background: Health information system (HIS) is an integral part of the national health system and an important tool of management and a key input for evidence based decision making. Improvement in health information system cannot be achieved unless there are sound policies, legislations and regulations to govern its function. Attention to capacity building and emerging technologies is also essential. This paper aims to investigate the health information resources at the national level; it focus on the information policies, human resources and communication infrastructures. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study covering the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) directorates. Desk review of relevant government documents was carried out using a standard checklist for existence, endorsement and implementation. A pre-tested questionnaire was used and in-depth interviews were conducted. Collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and the evaluation matrix. Results: The HIS strategic plan of 2012-2016 was found to be endorsed and implementation moving according to plan. HIS units were available in 89.5% of the directorates .Assessment of infrastructure for HIS showed the availability of furnished offices to be just 63.2% with 15.8% having a good working environment. Federal information units suffer from lack of statisticians and information technicians and a serious shortage of demographers and only 57% of the workforce received the basic statistical training. Conclusion: The system has no written regulations to ensure the perfect functioning of HIS and the integrity of national statistical services. Federal unit have shortage in demographer and statisticians. Continuous and refreshing training program are not adequate at all, little attention is given to systematic training on ICD-10 usage. The level of using computers for information analysis is good.