2016 ICT4D Conference

The importance of health information systems (HIS) and use of health data for decision making have long been recognized as critical to improving health service delivery and health systems performance. Mobile-based HIS programs face unique data quality challenges which often result in severe limitations in using the data to monitor and evaluate the program. In response to the need to better guide mobile data management practices, the WHO HRP and JHU-GmI developed the mHealth Data Assessment Tool (mDAT). The mDAT is adapted from existing HIS tools such as the Performance of Routine Information System Managament (PRISM) and presents a unique approach to designing, strengthening and evaluating a mobile-supported HIS.
The mDAT consists of six steps: identification of program claims, identification of indicators necessary to support those claims, overview of existing data sources, mapping of data sources, alignment of indicators with data sources, and assessment of the data. The final step (assessment of the data) takes the user through a series of questions under five domains which represent best practices for improving mobile data quality. These include the domains of data collection, data storage, data analytics/dashboards, data management and data use. Each of these supports the identification of gaps in the data management process, and aims to broadly generate recommendations for the improvement of the data management system.