Systems Assessment Report

This system aims to generate quality data used at all levels to improve health service delivery. The Ministry of Health conducted a systems assessment survey of 8 priority health information systems running in the health sector. The assessment took place between January 2013 and July 2013, with the objective of establishing information systems readiness for systems integration. The priority systems included the Kenya Health Information System (DHIS), the Kenya Master Facility List (MFL), the Health Workforce Information Solutions (iHRIS), KEMSA ERP, Malaria Indicators Acquisition System (MIAS), Finance Information System (HSSF and HMSF), and the Kenya Health Workforce Information System (KWHIS). Findings from the assessment showed that 38% of the systems had the ability to exchange data through the use of an API. For these systems with a data exchange mechanism, 38% had implemented the data exchange format using international standards such as HL7 and SDMX-HD. In addition, five of the systems assessed had a frequency of reporting at the national level of 76-100%. At lower levels, five systems had a reporting frequency at the district level, and three systems had a reporting frequency at the facility level. Furthermore, 25% of the systems had an established means of encryption for data at rest as well as in transit. 75% of the systems had an established and periodic backup and restore process. The availability of a system's data map to assist in understanding the meanings of data variables used to collect data was only present in 75% of the systems. The assessment criteria were based on a limited set of minimum requirements that would enable the systems to be integrated by achieving interoperability or full integration into one reporting system. The data needs of the health sector are varied and disparate, and therefore, a 'one size fits all approach' cannot be achieved. However, some reporting systems can be fully integrated into one reporting system, such as the DHIS. The assessment was carried out between December 2012 and March 2013 and was structured to collect data in a number of areas that collectively determine the systems' level of readiness for interoperability. The proposed minimum requirements for data exchange between health information systems include the use of a messaging interface to exchange data, adherence to standards of exchanging data, uniformity in the use of common identifiers, the level and frequency of use of a system down the vertical levels of the National Health information system, and the availability of system documentation. The assessment team proposed these requirements based on a desk and literature review. The assessment aimed to provide the necessary information on the level of preparedness of the systems to share data into a national health information system and to achieve harmonization mechanisms on data collection and analysis.