Lesson 6

HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

As defined by the World Health Organization (2004), a Health Management Information System (HMIS) is
an information system specially designed to assist in the management and planning of health programs, as
opposed to delivery of care.

HMIS is one of the six building blocks essential for health system strengthening. It is a data collection
system specifically designed to support planning, management, and decision- making in health facilities and
organizations.
Figure 6.1. Health Management Information System
(HMIS)
According to the Ministry of Health (2010), HMIS was developed within the framework of the following
concepts:
• The information collected is relevant to the policies and goals of the healthcare institution, and to the
responsibilities of the health professionals at the level of collection.
• The information collected is functional; it is to be used immediately for management and should not
wait for feedback from higher levels.
• Information collection is integrated; there is one set of forms and no duplication of reporting.
• The information is collected on a routine basis from every health unit.
 The major role of HMIS is to provide quality information to support decision-making at all levels of the
health care system in any medical institution.

A Health Management Information System needs to be:

• Complete.
• Consistent
• Clear
• Simple
• Cost-Effective
• Accessible
• Confidential
Figure 6.2. Basic Functions of the HMIS
EIGHT ELEMENTS OF THE HMIS

1. Data Acquisition
2. Data Verification
3. Data Storage
4. Data Classification
5. Data Computation
6. Data Update
7. Data Retrieval
8. Data Presentation
Table 6.1.. Functions in the HMIS
FIGURE 6.3. Determinants of the HMIS
PRISM FRAMEWORK
Known as Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM), this conceptual
framework broadens the analysis of routine health information systems to include the three key factors
which were discussed previously:
• Behavioral determinants – knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and motivation of the people who
collect and use data.
• Technical determinants – data collection processes, systems, forms, and methods.
• Organizational/environmental determinants – information culture, structure, resources, roles, and
responsibilities of the health system and key contributors at each level.
FIGURE 6.6. PRISM Conceptual Framework
FIGURE 6.7. Technical
and Organizational
Factors in the PRISM
Framework
 KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
� HMIS is an information system specially designed to assist in the management and planning of health
programs, as opposed to delivery of care.
� The major role of HMIS is to provide quality information to support decision-making at all levels of the
health care system in any medical institution.
� Historically, all information systems, including HMIS, are built upon the conceptualization of three
fundamental information-processing phases: data input, data management, and data output. The eight
(8) elements include: Data Acquisition, Data Verification, Data Storage, Data Classification, Data
Computation, Data update, Data retrieval, and Data presentation.
� The determinants which affects the HMIS performance include Behavioral, Organizational, and Technical
determinants, and their related components.
� PRISM Framework defines the various components of the routine health information system and their
linkages to produce better quality data and continuous use of information, leading to better health
system performance and, consequently, better health outcomes.
 REFERENCES
Aqil, A., Lippeveld, T., & Hozumi, D. (2009). PRISM framework: a paradigm shift for designing, strengthening
and evaluating routine health information systems. Health Policy and Planning, 24(3): 217–228.
http://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czp010
Behavioral Health Collaborative Solutions. (2006). Management Information System Resource Tool for
Behavioral Health Providers. Retrieved April 23, 2018, from http://www.dhs.state.il.us/
OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/By_Division/MentalHealth/MIS-Resource-Tool-8-14.pdf
Ministry of Health. (2010). TheThe Health Management Information System (Volume 1). Health Unit
Procedure Manual. Ministry of Health Resource Centre.
Routine Health Information Network. (2003). Enhancing Quality and Use of Routine Health Information at
District Level. Retrieved April 23, 2018, from
https://www.measureevaluation.org/resources/publications/ws-04-12
Sanga, L. (2015). Assessment of Health Management Information System (HMIS) Performance in Health
Facilities in Mrali, Kyela and Busokelo District Council. Retrieved April 23, 2018, from
http://scholar.mzumbe.ac.tz/bitstream/handle/11192/1017/Msc_HM%26E_Luhuvilo%20Jactany%20Sa
nga%202015.pdf?sequence=1
Tan, J. (2010). Foundation Concepts of Health Management Information Systems. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific. (2004). Developing Health Management
Information Systems: A Practical Guide for Developing Countries.
World Health Organization. (2008). Toolkit on Monitoring Health Systems Strengthening.