Management and use of health information in Malawi and Burkina Faso: The role of technology

Many developing countries have adopted electronic health management information systems to support management of health service delivery. However, use of health information from HMIS is often challenged. Previous research point out that is essential that health information is not only collected, but also analyzed and disseminated to relevant stakeholders for decision making - a process also referred to as a culture of information use or information behavior. This study explores how health information is currently managed in Malawi and Burkina Faso. Through a comparison of the current practices and the role of technology, the study confirms that information behavior is about more than technology in itself. Both countries have a rather strong and well-organized culture of information use, but only parts of it is supported by the current technology. Changes to the technology at hand and organizational roles that could improve the current information culture are discussed as well.

1. Introduction

Many developing countries have implemented health sector reforms [1], adopting decentralization as a key element of the development process [2] with the aim to vest the greater decision-making responsibility throughout the health systems [1]. According to Garrib et al. [3], there is an increasing demand for health information to inform policies, prioritizing, resource allocation, and monitoring of the impact of health programs and progress towards goals. Along with the increasing HMIS implementation questions of how to support the management and use of information at various organizational levels arise.