This community innovation has been accepted at the 2025 DHIS2 Annual Conference
Assessing and improving DHIS2/HMIS data quality
Abstract Title: Assessing and Improving Malawi HMIS/DHIS2 Data Quality Over a Decade of Implementation Introduction: In 2012, Malawi initiated the implementation of DHIS2 with a single dataset (HMIS15) encompassing various program data elements. Over time, this expanded to over 150 custom datasets to meet programmatic and departmental monitoring needs. This expansion increased the workload for staff at service delivery points, adversely affecting data quality, leading to inconsistencies, missing values, and outliers. The WHO Data Quality Tool, designed to assess data quality, has been underutilized due to inadequate skills and a lack of emphasis on data use. To enhance data quality, it is essential to strengthen use of the WHO Data Quality Tool alongside other simplified DHIS2 dashboards. Methodology: The Central Monitoring and Evaluation Division (CMED), in collaboration with the Digital Health Division (DHD), implemented validation rules for critical datasets, developed dashboards, and provided training on data quality using the WHO Data Quality Tool. Focal persons have been designated at zonal and district levels, and in some districts, data management teams have been established to oversee data quality and utilization. Results: These interventions have reduced errors by nearly 95%, leading to enhanced data utilization by stakeholders for decision-making. Staff managing the data have improved their skills, with many creating custom DHIS2 dashboards. Conclusion: Integrating the WHO Data Quality Tool and dashboards has significantly improved data quality in Malawi’s HMIS (DHIS2). To further strengthen data use, CMED and DHD plan to integrate DHIS2/HMIS with the Malawi Healthcare Information System (MaHIS), which captures individual-level data, to auto-aggregate and populate reports into DHIS2.
Primary Author: Vincent Masoo
Keywords:
Data quality and use
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