Presentation & Live Demo: UDSM DHIS2 Lab 12th June, 2023 01:00 - 0230 PM
Do-It-Yourself Approach to DHIS2 Capacity building: The Enhanced Decentralized DHIS2 users support application in Tanzania
Background
The DHIS2 consists of a very large user base for HMIS data reporting and information use in Tanzania, making user request management a challenge. The built-in DHIS2 feedback messaging received a large number of user requests daily. Due to the delays in timely responding to all users’ requests centrally through the maintenance app in DHIS2, there were lots of complaints. The decentralized users’ support app was implemented and deployed in the DHIS2 instance to address users’ complaints in March 2022. Initially, the user-friendly App was developed to handle only the requests related to datasets and org unit assignments at the lower level to quickly request to add or remove datasets from the health facility.
Based on the system user experience gathering, the user support app has further been improved to add the user management feature that allows a user to manage the user accounts requests also. This new feature gives more control to the users at the lower level over the user account requests by allowing them to initiate the process. Once the user account is created, the account details will be sent directly to the individual through their emails. The improved App has reduced the substantial workload on the central team which remains with the task to review, approve, or reject the requests based on some criteria.
Methodology
The App’s development was based on our experience addressing common user requests from different users across the country over the years. The team then developed an innovative and interactive user support app, which has recently improved to handle user account requests. The App was tested and deployed in DHIS2 and has been used since March 2022 to strengthen the handling of user requests and routine support for DHIS2. The App is generic and fully customizable within DHIS2 version 2.32+.
Results
The improved user support App has transformed the management of user requests by decentralizing user accounts to the lower level. The enhanced App has removed the tedious process of manually creating user accounts for all users across 184 district councils. Consequently, the response time to this specific user support request has instantly improved.
Conclusion
The user account request feature has simplified user account management by decentralizing the process to lower levels, where there is ever increasing need for new users. The UDSM DHIS2 Lab plans to improve the App further as new challenges arise.