Perceptions about data-informed decisions : an assessment of information-use in high HIV-prevalence settings in South Africa

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dc.contributor.authorNicol, Edwarden_ZA
dc.contributor.authorBradshaw, Debbieen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorUwimana-Nicol, Jeannineen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorDudley, Lilianen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2017-12-12T05:27:43Z
dc.date.available2017-12-12T05:27:43Z
dc.date.issued2017-12-04
dc.date.updated2017-12-10T04:59:21Z
dc.descriptionCITATION: Nicol, E. et al. 2017. Perceptions about data-informed decisions : an assessment of information-use in high HIV-prevalence settings in South Africa. BMC Health Services Research, 17(Suppl 2):765, doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2641-1.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com
dc.description.abstractBackground: Information-use is an integral component of a routine health information system and essential to influence policy-making, program actions and research. Despite an increased amount of routine data collected, planning and resource-allocation decisions made by health managers for managing HIV programs are often not based on data. This study investigated the use of information, and barriers to using routine data for monitoring the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs in two high HIV-prevalence districts in South Africa. Methods: We undertook an observational study using a multi-method approach, including an inventory of facility records and reports. The performance of routine information systems management (PRISM) diagnostic ‘Use of Information’ tool was used to assess the PMTCT information system for evidence of data use in 57 health facilities in two districts. Twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants to investigate barriers to information use in decision-making. Participants were purposively selected based on their positions and experience with either producing PMTCT data and/or using data for management purposes. We computed descriptive statistics and used a general inductive approach to analyze the qualitative data. Results: Despite the availability of mechanisms and processes to facilitate information-use in about two-thirds of the facilities, evidence of information-use (i.e., indication of some form of information-use in available RHIS reports) was demonstrated in 53% of the facilities. Information was inadequately used at district and facility levels to inform decisions and planning, but was selectively used for reporting and monitoring program outputs at the provincial level. The inadequate use of information stemmed from organizational issues such as the lack of a culture of information-use, lack of trust in the data, and the inability of program and facility managers to analyze, interpret and use information. Conclusions: Managers’ inability to use information implied that decisions for program implementation and improving service delivery were not always based on data. This lack of data use could influence the delivery of health care services negatively. Facility and program managers should be provided with opportunities for capacity development as well as practice-based, in-service training, and be supported to use information for planning, management and decision-making.
dc.description.urihttps://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-017-2641-1
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent14 pages
dc.identifier.citationNicol, E. et al. 2017. Perceptions about data-informed decisions : an assessment of information-use in high HIV-prevalence settings in South Africa. BMC Health Services Research, 17(Suppl 2):765, doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2641-1.
dc.identifier.issn1472-6963 (online)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.1186/s12913-017-2641-1
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/102994
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherBioMed Central
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectHIV infections -- Transmission -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectAIDS (Disease) in infants -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectAIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africaen_ZA
dc.titlePerceptions about data-informed decisions : an assessment of information-use in high HIV-prevalence settings in South Africaen_ZA
dc.typeArticle
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