Assessing the Capacity of Quality Improvement Teams on Health Data Use for Improvement of Health Service Delivery in Council Hospitals in Tanzania

Abstract Introduction: The ability of health workers in data use is pivotal in the healthcare system; it helps to facilitate effective data use to improve healthcare services in health settings. This study aimed to assess the capacity of hospital Quality Improvement Teams members to utilize health data in selected council hospitals in Tanzania. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 12 council hospitals in six regions. Data were collected from 203 members of Quality Improvement Teams using a self-administered questionnaire. We utilized Smart PLS 3 and conducted a bootstrapping analysis to assess the formulated hypotheses. Results: The results show that most of the respondents have limited knowledge and skills in data visualization and sharing through dashboards (37.4%), data dissemination through notice boards (38.9%), and data review and interpretations through quarterly quality improvement team meetings (40.9%). Additionally, the majority of respondents indicated low knowledge and skills in ordering essential health commodities (50.3%), allocating hospital staff (45.3%), and preparing hospital plans and budgets based on existing data systems (50.7%). Conclusion: Members of Quality Improvement Teams demonstrate a lack of proficiency in utilizing data, which has had a significant impact on the delivery of health services. Accordingly, it is imperative to focus on enhancing the capabilities of all personnel within health settings to comprehend and effectively apply techniques for data analysis, interpretation, data visualization, and sharing.