Influence of Routine Health Information on Decision-Making in Public District Hospitals in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
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Abstract
The study sought to assess the implication of regularly collected health information in public hospitals in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. The effect of information accuracy, completeness of reports, information reliability, and information timeliness on decision-making in public district hospitals was examined. Descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for this study conducted in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. A target population of 60 individuals comprising hospital administrators, procurement officers, pharmacists, doctors, and nurses from six public district hospitals was identified. The sample size was determined using convenient sampling techniques. Primary quantitative data was collected through structured survey questionnaires. Data was analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26). The study underscores the importance of accurate and timely health information in guiding decision-making processes and improving healthcare delivery. It identifies challenges such as lack of standardized information procedures and inadequate electronic health information systems, and highlights the importance of streamlining data presentation and visualization as crucial in enhancing better comprehension among healthcare professionals, reducing delays, and improving efficiency in health information management. The study recommends implementation of standardized procedures and electronic health information systems, capacity building for health information analysis, and establishing accessible common health management information system to all hospitals. Further, the study advocates for policy suggestions, such as prioritization and adoption of standardized procedures and electronic systems, training healthcare professionals, and appointing health management information system focal persons within hospitals to facilitate information sharing and communication in bid to enhance accountability, and transparency, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the population served by public district hospitals
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