Evaluation of Performance Monitoring Team (PMT) Functionality and the Level of Health Information System (HIS) Implementation in selected public health facilities in Addis Ababa: A Baseline Study

Abstract Background: Health Informatio Systems (HIS) have the potential to increase effiencency and substantially reduce health expenditure. Insufficient information use poses a major challenge to improving healthcare outcomes at the grassroots level. To improve a culture of information-use among health workers, capacity building through different modalities is considered effective. This study aimed to assess the levels of data quality, the culture of information use, and the functionality of performance monitoring teams (PMTs) at selected public helath facilities in Addis Ababa providing baseline information. Methods: This research was conducted at selected health facilities within the Addis Ababa City administration using quantitative research methods among healthcare professionals. Both Primary and secondary data were collected to assess the information- use practices of health professionals. The EPI-7 software was used for data entry, while STATA software was employed for the analysis of quantitative data. Composite scores and Logistic regression were applied for data analysis. Results: One hundred eighty respondents participated in the study. Of this total, 101(56.1%) had received formal HIS training, and 111(63%) scored above the mean for knowledge, indicating that respondents are knowledgeable about routine health information utilization. Regarding competency in performing Routine HIS (RHIS) tasks, 93(51.71%) demonstrated good RHI utilization competency. Of the respondents, 102(56.7%) scored above the mean in information use culture and were categorized as having good practices.Only three Health Centers (HCs) (50%) prepared data visuals. All six selected HCs had non-functional PMTs. Conclusions and Recommendations: In general, few HCs have reported their experiences with information use for decision-making. In addition, the availability of formally trained staff in HIS-related activities, the functionality of PMT, data quality, and the actual use of information for decision-making were all very low. It is recommended that all health facility staff receive comprehensive HIS training; mentorship program be strengthened; PMTs be well-founded; follow-up actions be implemented and Ministry of Health regulations be enforced. Moreover, data use and data quality issues should remain high on the priority list; as intervention in this area is critical. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(4): 00-00] Keywords:Healthcare Professionals, Health Information System, Health Information Use, Performance Monitoring Team