Philippine E-Journals

Information System to Monitor Health Outcomes: Some Imperatives

Exaltacion E. Lamberte

Discipline: Health, Science

 

Abstract:

This article discusses lessons learned drawn from the study on the information system of the Department of Health, specifically, the Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS), National Capital Region. Important implications and imperatives relevant to the establishment of the information system meant to monitor health outcomes were discussed. The author identified three critical aspects that need to be considered when establishing an information system. These are: (1) the responses and the dispositions of the data generators and recorders toward the information system; (2) the capability of the data generators to use the data as basis for assessment of what needs to be done to attain defined objectives; and (3) the importance of the use of data as well as the sense of ownership of the information system on the part of the data generators. The paper concludes with the identification of the requirements for establishing a timely and useful information system within the decentralized health services delivery environment.