Assessing the data quality of performance information generated by the health sector in the Breede Valley Subdistrict for evidence-based decision-making

Date
2017-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Internationally, health authorities have shown an increased dependence on information and communication technology (ICT) to provide timely and reliable information that can inform decisions about the effective, efficient and equitable distribution of health resources. The usefulness of the information, however, is determined by the quality of the data which underpins it. Inaccurate data can lead to inappropriate priorities and actions on the part of decision-makers. The purpose of this study was to assess the data quality of performance information in the Breede Valley Subdistrict as a reliable source for evidence-based decision-making. To investigate this research question, a case study approach was followed. The management cadre in the subdistrict were consulted for data collection purposes. Data collection tools include face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The study concluded that the data quality of performance information in the Breede Valley Subdistrict meets the quality criteria for its intended purposes. The study revealed that the collection of performance information is perceived as laborious and irrelevant to improving patient care. The study recommends that the risk control measures should be enforced at facilities who regularly present data quality issues. Further studies should be conducted to gain a representative opinion about the relevance and the quality of performance information generated
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Gesondheidsowerhede wereldwyd is afhanklik van inligting-en-telekommunikasie tegnologie (ITK) om tydige en betroubare inligting oor die effektiewe en gelykmatige verspreiding van gesondheidsbronne te verskaf. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die data kwaliteit van prestasie-inligting in die Breede Vallei Subdistrik vir bewys-gebaseerde besluitneming te evauleer. ’n Gevallestudiebenadering is gebruik om die navorsingsvraag te ondersoek. Inligting is onder meer deur vraelyste en onderhoude met bestuurders in die subdistrik verkry. Die studie het bevind dat die data-kwaliteit van prestasie-inligting voldoen aan die kwaliteitskrieria vir die doel waarvoor dit gegenereer word. Die studie toon dat die versameling van prestasie-inligting uitputtend is en nie die kwaliteit van pasientesorg verbeter nie. Die studie beveel aan dat risiko-beheerkontroles in plek gestel word by fasiliteite wat voordurend data-kwailiteitkwessies het. Verdere studies moet onderneem word om ’n verteenwoordigende mening oor die relevansie en kwaliteit van prestasie-inligting te maak.
Description
Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2017.
Keywords
Health services administrators -- Breede River Valley (South Africa), Information and communication technology (ICT), Data integrity, UCTD
Citation