1.

Write short notes on the building blocks of the health system as the apply to a
HOSPITAL (No more than a page)

The building blocks of a health system as they apply to a hospital in a Ugandan setting
include:

1. Service delivery: This refers to the provision of healthcare services to patients,

which includes both clinical and non-clinical services. In a Ugandan hospital
setting, this may include medical consultations, diagnostic testing, and treatment
for various medical conditions.
2. Human resources: This includes the healthcare professionals and support staff
who provide services to patients, such as doctors, nurses, and lab technicians. In
a Ugandan hospital setting, there may be a shortage of skilled healthcare
professionals, which can impact the quality and availability of healthcare
services.
3. Medical supplies and equipment: This includes the drugs, medical devices, and
other supplies needed to provide healthcare services. In a Ugandan hospital
setting, there may be a lack of access to essential medicines and medical
equipment, which can impact the quality of care provided.
4. Financing: This includes the ways in which healthcare services are financed,
such as through government funding, private insurance, or out-of-pocket
payments. In a Ugandan hospital setting, there may be a lack of funding for
healthcare services, which can limit access to care for certain populations.
5. Governance and leadership: This includes the management and oversight of the
health system, including policies and regulations that govern the provision of
healthcare services. In a Ugandan hospital setting, there may be challenges
related to leadership and governance, such as a lack of clear policies or
inadequate oversight.
6. Health information management system: This includes the collection, storage,
and analysis of health-related data to support decision-making and improve
health outcomes. The government's new intervention would fall under this block,
this system will help to improve the quality of care provided, to increase efficiency
and reduce costs.

2. Discuss the LIKELY effects of the intervention on the hospital using the
building blocks approach. The effects could be positive or negative. In writing,
please explain WHY the effect could occur and give appropriate examples (2
pages maximum)

The implementation of a new health information management system in a hospital in

Uganda could have both positive and negative effects.

Positive effects:
 1. Improved data accuracy and completeness: The new system could improve the
accuracy and completeness of patient data by automating data entry and
reducing human error. This could lead to better decision making and improved
patient outcomes.
2. Increased efficiency: The new system could streamline processes such as
appointment scheduling, lab results, and billing, leading to increased efficiency
and reduced wait times for patients.
3. Improved communication: The new system could improve communication
between healthcare providers by providing a centralized location for patient
information and allowing for real-time updates. This could lead to better
coordination of care and improved patient outcomes.

Negative effects:

1. Increased cost: The implementation of a new system could be costly, which

could be a burden for the hospital and patients.
2. Staff training and resistance: Staff may need to be trained on the new system
which could be time-consuming and costly, and some staff may resist the
change.
3. Technical issues: The new system may have technical issues that could disrupt
operations and negatively impact patient care.
4. Data security: A new system may not be able to protect patient data from
breaches or unauthorized access, which could lead to privacy concerns.

Overall, the implementation of a new health information management system in a

hospital in Uganda could have both positive and negative effects. It is important to
carefully consider these effects and take steps to mitigate any negative impacts before
implementing the system.

3. What lessons do you learn from this example as regards intervention in health
systems? (1 page maximum)

There are several lessons that can be learned from the implementation of a new health
information management system in a hospital in Uganda as an intervention in health
systems:

1. The importance of careful planning and evaluation: The implementation of a new

system is a complex process that requires careful planning and evaluation to
ensure that it is effective and addresses the needs of all stakeholders.
2. The importance of considering the local context: The system must be adapted to
the local context, including the availability of resources, the level of technological
infrastructure, and the cultural and social context.
3. The importance of staff buy-in: Staff buy-in is crucial for the successful
implementation of a new system. Staff must be trained and involved in the
planning and implementation process to ensure they are comfortable with the
new system and understand its benefits.
 4. The importance of data security: Data security is essential to protect patient
information and maintain trust in the healthcare system. The system must be
designed with data security in mind to protect against breaches and unauthorized
access.
5. The importance of ongoing maintenance and adaptation: The system must be
maintained and adapted over time to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
This includes regular updates to ensure that the system remains in compliance
with regulations and that it remains compatible with new technologies.
6. The importance of monitoring and evaluation: The system must be monitored
and evaluated to ensure that it is achieving its intended goals and that any issues
are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

Overall, the implementation of a new health information management system in a

hospital in Uganda highlights the need for careful planning, evaluation, and adaptation
to the local context in order to achieve a successful intervention in the health system.

4. What characteristics of complex health systems are being demonstrated in this

example? Please explain. (1 page maximum)

What characteristics of complex health systems are demonstrated in A new

health information management system on a hospital. Please explain?

A new health information management system in a hospital demonstrates several

characteristics of complex health systems, including:

1. Interconnectedness: The system is interconnected with multiple components,

including hardware, software, and data. Each component must work together
seamlessly in order to function effectively.
2. Adaptability: The system must be adaptable to changing needs and demands,
such as new regulations or advances in technology. This requires ongoing
maintenance and updates to ensure the system remains relevant and effective.
3. Interdependence: The system is dependent on the participation and cooperation
of multiple stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and
administrators. Each stakeholder has their own unique needs and priorities that
must be taken into account in order for the system to function effectively.
4. Complexity: The system is complex, with many different components and
processes that must be integrated and coordinated in order to achieve the
desired outcome. This complexity can make it difficult to understand and predict
the system's behavior.
5. Non-linearity: The system is non-linear, meaning that small changes in one part
of the system can have large effects on other parts of the system. This makes it
difficult to predict the outcome of changes and interventions, and requires careful
monitoring and evaluation to understand how the system is functioning.
 6. Emergent properties: The system is not only the sum of its parts, but it also has
properties that emerge from the interactions between its components. These
properties are not predictable by studying the individual components and require
a holistic approach to understanding the system.

Overall, the new health information management system in a hospital demonstrates the
complexity and interconnectedness of modern health systems, as well as the need for
ongoing maintenance and adaptation to changing needs.

Discuss the LIKELY effects of A new health information management system on

Service delivery as a building block. The effects could be positive or negative. In
writing, please explain WHY the effect could occur and give appropriate
examples

The implementation of a new health information management system in a hospital could have
both positive and negative effects on service delivery as a building block of the health system.

Positive effects:

1. Improved patient outcomes: The new system could lead to improved patient outcomes by
providing healthcare providers with more accurate and complete information about
patients, which could help with diagnosis and treatment.
2. Increased efficiency: The new system could streamline processes such as appointment
scheduling, lab results, and billing, leading to increased efficiency and reduced wait times
for patients. This could also lead to cost savings for the hospital.
3. Improved communication: The new system could improve communication between
healthcare providers by providing a centralized location for patient information and
allowing for real-time updates. This could lead to better coordination of care and
improved patient outcomes.
4. Improved quality of care: The new system could provide healthcare providers with a
more complete picture of the patient's health, enabling them to make more informed
decisions and provide better quality of care.

Negative effects:

1. Increased cost: The implementation of a new system could be costly, which could be a
burden for the hospital and patients.
2. Staff training and resistance: Staff may need to be trained on the new system which could
be time-consuming and costly, and some staff may resist the change.
3. Technical issues: The new system may have technical issues that could disrupt operations
and negatively impact patient care.
4. Limited access: The system might not be accessible to patients and their families as it
might be too complex or not available in the local language, which could limit the
transparency and patient engagement in the process of care.
 5. Inadequate data security: A new system may not be able to protect patient data from
breaches or unauthorized access, which could lead to privacy concerns and mistrust in the
healthcare system.

Overall, the implementation of a new health information management system in a hospital could
lead to improved service delivery and patient outcomes, but it is important to carefully consider
the potential costs, technical issues, and security risks before implementing the system.