An assessment of the Health Information System in Khomas region, Namibia

Abstract

Introduction: A robust and well-functioning Health Information System (HIS) is crucial for managing patient care, monitoring health system performance, and informing public health decisions. However, Namibia, like many developing countries, faces challenges in its HIS, such as limited financial and human resources, knowledge gaps, inadequate infrastructure, and behavioural barriers such as resistance to adopting new systems and a lack of supportive policies. Previous studies have not shown significant improvements since 2012. This study in Namibia's Khomas region aims to assess human factors affecting the HIS and evaluate progress made from 2012 to 2022. It will use recommendations from a 2012 assessment by USAID to provide insights and propose ways to enhance healthcare delivery and resource allocation. Methods and analysis: This study utilizes a cross-sectional design employing a multi-method approach to evaluate the performance of the Health Information System (HIS). Qualitative methods include conducting 17 in-depth interviews with key informants, a retrospective document review from the Ministry of Health and Social Services headquarters in Windhoek, supplemented by a modified office/facility checklist from all 14 health facilities in the Khomas region. The quantitative methods involve administering a questionnaire to 330 staff members, utilizing an adapted version of the Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM)’s Organizational and Behavioural Assessment Tool (OBAT). Descriptive statistics will be applied to analyse the quantitative data, while a deductive interpretive approach will be used for qualitative data analysis. Ethics and dissemination: The protocol was approved by the Stellenbosch University Health Research Ethics Committee (Reference No: S23/05/119), the Namibia ministry of Health and Social Services (Reference No: 22/3/2/1) and will adhere to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (1964). The study aims to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing recommendations across different levels of the Health Information System (HIS), with a focus on improving the HIS in the Khomas region. Outputs will include communicating the findings to the study population, presenting at both local and international conferences, and publishing peer-reviewed journal articles.