Strengthening health information systems
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Better measurement and accountability for results
UNDP’s offer
UNDP works with national entities to strengthen the full health information system, including:
- assessing the country requirements based on the national health strategy and priorities
- support the development of national health information strategies
- support the assessment of where ICT can deliver better data and information for decision makers
- assess needs for other elements of a comprehensive HIS, such as logistics management information systems or human resource management information systems
- strengthen the health workforce
- strengthen reporting and communication of results

The format of health records varies widely. In many countries service providers use paper-based records in the form of patient charts or registries, although some are now transitioning to electronic records.
Electronic patient records have numerous advantages for accurately recording, efficiently storing and retrieving, and transferring information between healthcare providers. The use of health information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly electronic health records, can help to deliver better quality care, reduce medical errors and streamline administration.
Strengthening ICT systems can support the strengthening of HIS. There must be a joint effort between IT, clinicians, and coders so that information in patient health records and disease registries is transformed into useful data for decision making.

Figure: WHO: Digital Health Interventions; 2018
Suggested capacity development indicators
- national health information strategy in place
- comprehensiveness of health data captures prevalence, incidence, qualitative social and behavioural data, disaggregated by age and gender
- % of districts that submit timely, complete and accurate reports to national level
- level of use of data collection systems for studies and evaluations
- level of integration of health data into management and forecasting reports and processes
- % of evaluations completed per plan
- availability and transparency of data for management and partner review
- availability and use of policies and procedures
Key resources
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MEASURE Evaluation’s Health Information System Strengthening Model The HIS strengthening model (HISSM) is a starting point for framing what we know now and the opportunities we have to learn more about strengthening HIS.PDF 0.2 MB
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WHO Health Systems Framework This handbook focuses on systems “inputs,” “processes” and “outputs” as they relate to each of the six building blocks of health systems.PDF 2.1 MB
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