This abstract has been accepted at the 2024 DHIS2 Annual Conference
session link: Evaluation & Impact
Strengthening Data Use in Routine Immunisation: A Mid-Evaluation of DHIS2 EPI Dashboard Enhancements in Uganda
Since 2018, collaborative efforts by UiO, WHO, and partners introduced metadata packages for health programs, including immunization, in over 70 countries. In Uganda, collaboration between the DHIM, HISP Uganda, and UNEPI aimed to implement this metadata package on the national DHIS2 instance (eHMIS) since 2018, intending to enhance data analysis. However, despite these efforts, there has been limited utilization of these information products on the national DHIS2 instance. In 2022, the eHMIS EPI dashboard underwent a participatory revamp. Before deployment, a baseline assessment in October 2022 was followed by a November 2023 mid-term assessment post-deployment and user training. Initially training targeted national-level users, including biostatisticians and focal persons. A total of 557 users at the national level facilitated scaled-down training to districts and facilities. To assess impact, key metrics were compared at baseline and mid-term, covering appropriateness, comprehensiveness, accessibility, ease of use, training effectiveness, and dashboard views. In assessing the DHIS2 EPI dashboard, both baseline and mid-term evaluations showed positive shifts, notably the cold chain indicator rising from 55% to 86%, underlining the impact of revamping and user training. Despite baseline strengths in accessibility (74%) and learnability (73%), mid-term improvements in learning experience (79%) and navigation satisfaction (75%), with the user manual rising to 81%, a significant decline in ease of access satisfaction necessitates ongoing feedback for a user-friendly DHIS2 EPI dashboard. Regarding training, while the baseline indicated 65% underwent training (67% deeming it adequate), a mid-term decreases to 44% in participation occurred. However, 81% reported increased effectiveness, emphasizing the pivotal role of enhanced training materials post-revamp, highlighting the need for continuous investment. Dashboard usage saw a notable increase from 78 to 225 views monthly, although below the ideal 800 views. Excluding spikes linked to training sessions, the analysis prioritizes regular utilization patterns. In conclusion, optimizing the DHIS2 EPI dashboard for routine immunization requires persistent efforts, particularly in addressing low-performance areas like stock with wastage. Prioritizing a user-centric approach for accessibility and ease of use, focusing on continuous improvements, and ensuring user manual availability are crucial. Additional assessment into factors affecting lower participation in capacity building is recommended. Emphasizing high-quality training materials, supported by continuous resources, aims to uphold the DHIS2 EPI dashboard as a valuable tool for routine immunization programs.
Primary Author: Omiel Patrick Okecho
Keywords:
Data Use, Routine Immunization, Baseline Assessment, Mid-Evaluation, Dashboard Design, Capacity Building, Immunization Programs.