A routine health information system (RHIS) is a system designed to collect, manage,

analyze, and utilize health-related data on a regular basis. It is an essential component

of a well-functioning health information system and plays a crucial role in monitoring and
evaluating health programs, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and improving
health outcomes.

The primary purpose of a routine health information system is to provide timely,

accurate, and reliable data on various aspects of health, including disease surveillance,
service delivery, resource allocation, and health system performance. RHIS typically
collects data from various sources such as health facilities, community health workers,
laboratories, and vital registration systems.

Key components of a routine health information system may include:

Data collection: This involves the systematic collection of health-related data from
various sources using standardized tools and formats. Data can be collected through
paper-based forms, electronic systems, or a combination of both.

Data management: This involves processes for storing, organizing, cleaning, and
validating the collected data. It may include data entry, data storage, data quality
checks, and data integration from different sources.

Data analysis and reporting: This involves analyzing and interpreting the collected data
to generate meaningful information for decision-making. Data can be analyzed using
statistical methods, data visualization techniques, and health indicators. Reports and
dashboards are commonly used to present the analyzed data in a user-friendly manner.

Data dissemination and use: This involves sharing the analyzed data and information
with relevant stakeholders such as policymakers, health managers, researchers, and
the public. The information generated through the RHIS should be used to inform policy
development, program planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of health
interventions.

Capacity building: This involves strengthening the skills and competencies of individuals
and organizations involved in managing the routine health information system. Training
and technical support are provided to ensure the effective operation of the system and
the utilization of data forevidence-based decision-making.

Benefits of a routine health information system include:

Improved monitoring and evaluation: RHIS enables the regular monitoring and
evaluation of health programs and interventions. It provides data on key health
indicators, allowing for the tracking of progress, identification of trends, and assessment
of program effectiveness.

Timely detection and response to health threats: RHIS supports disease surveillance
and outbreak detection by facilitating the timely collection, analysis, and reporting of
health data. This enables early detection of disease outbreaks and the implementation
of appropriate response measures.

Evidence-based decision-making: RHIS provides policymakers and health managers

with accurate and up-to-date information to make informed decisions. It supports
evidence-based policy development, program planning, and resource allocation.

Improved health service delivery: By collecting data on health service utilization, RHIS
helps identify gaps and bottlenecks in service delivery. This information can be used to
improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services.

Enhanced accountability and transparency: RHIS promotes transparency and

accountability in the health sector by providing reliable data on health system
performance. It allows stakeholders to track the allocation and utilization of resources
and assess the impact of interventions.

Support for research and evidence generation: RHIS data can be used for research
purposes, supporting the generation of evidence for health research studies, program
evaluations, and policy assessments.

To effectively implement a routine health information system, it is important to have

adequate infrastructure, trained personnel, standardized data collection tools, strong
data management systems, and supportive policies and governance mechanisms.
Collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including government
agencies, health facilities, and development partners, are also crucial for the success of
an RHIS.

The information cycle refers to the process through which information is produced,
disseminated, and consumed. It describes the life cycle of information from its creation
to its eventual obsolescence. The information cycle can be divided into several stages:

Creation/Generation: This stage involves the creation or generation of new information.

It could be through research, data collection, reporting, or any other means of producing
new knowledge or data.

Organization/Curation: Once information is created, it needs to be organized and

curated for easy access and retrieval. This stage involves indexing, cataloging, and
categorizing information to make it discoverable and usable.

Publication/Dissemination: In this stage, information is shared or disseminated to a

wider audience. It could be through various channels such as books, journals,
newspapers, websites, social media, or other forms of media. The goal is to make
information available to the intended audience.
Access/Consumption: This stage involves individuals or organizations accessing and
consuming the published information. It could be through reading, viewing, listening, or
interacting with the information in some way. The audience may include researchers,
students, professionals, policymakers, or the general public.

Evaluation/Critical Analysis: Once information is accessed, it undergoes evaluation and

critical analysis. This stage involves assessing the quality, credibility, and relevance of
the information. Individuals or organizations critically analyze the information to
determine its accuracy, reliability, and applicability to their needs.

Integration/Application: In this stage, the information is integrated into existing

knowledge or applied to solve problems, make decisions, or inform actions. The
audience applies the information in their work, research, decision-making, or other
activities.

Revision/Updating: Information is not static, and it needs to be revised or updated over

time. New research findings, data, or perspectives may emerge, requiring existing
information to be revised or updated to reflect the latest knowledge.

Obsolescence: As new information is generated and disseminated, older information

may become outdated or irrelevant. It may be replaced by newer, more accurate, or
more comprehensive information. This stage marks the obsolescence of information,
where it is no longer considered current or widely used.

The information cycle is a continuous and iterative process. New information is

continuously created, disseminated, consumed, evaluated, and integrated into existing
knowledge, while older information becomes outdated and is eventually replaced.
Understanding the information cycle is important for information literacy, critical thinking,
and staying updated with the latest knowledge and developments in various fields.