HISP | Profile
HISP-SA PRODUCTS AND SERVICES it provides. While training in the use of the information system is essential, there is also a need to ensure a cadre of staff and managers who understand the role of the information system in supporting health services, are able to interpret data and use the information learned, and ensure data quality. HISP-SA has an experienced training and mentorship team that provides tailor-made training and mentorship in computer literacy; health information systems; data quality; data analysis; the use, monitoring and evaluation of data; and efficient ways of reporting. In support of the government’s priority to address the critical shortage of qualified health information staff, HISPSA is leading the way by developing accredited qualifications to support career paths in health informatics. Our courses are offered at several universities in South Africa and, through our global network, we have contributed to training at other universities in Africa and internationally. At HISP-SA, we believe that healthcare data must be used for evidence-based decision-making and management purposes. Our in-depth knowledge on the functioning of routine health information systems allows us to support people who work at all levels in the health system – from data collectors in clinics and hospitals to information managers and decision-/policymakers at district, provincial and national levels. We offer a variety of individualised support, ranging from understanding the data collection and collation processes and improving data quality, to the development of an integrated and essential national indicator dataset. Our team has extensive experience in the analysis and use of information, and in innovative ways to present and display data that empowers managers and decision-makers to effectively use information for action.
www.hisp.org +27 (0)43 721 2605
Health Information Systems DHIS 2 (webDHIS) is a web-based, open-source routine health information management system that supports the collection, collation, analysis and use of health information. It is currently the preferred health management information system in over 50 countries and 23 organisations across four continents. MHealth Applications HISP-SA has teamed up with local and international partners to develop a range of applications for use on cell phones to support data capturing and the reporting of routine and epidemic data (e.g. DHIS data, HPV campaign data and notifiable medical conditions); and promote health education and awareness (e.g. MomConnect). Hospital Information Software HISP and its partners have utilised a range of technologies to improve the quality of hospital data. This ranges from improving data quality for hospital-based maternal and child health services, and HIV/ AIDS services, to the development of a modular hospital information system that provides continuity of care through a basic electronic patient record system. National Health Information Repository and Data Warehouse (NHIRD) The NHIRD is a data warehouse that integrates data from various specialist information systems – such as demographic and health surveys, the District Health Expenditure Review, Statistics SA surveys and population-based data, and DHIS databases – and applies sophisticated data analysis and GIS techniques to the data to create dynamic visualisation of the data. These visualisations highlight comparisons, trends and relationships to improve managers’ understanding of the status of health services and service delivery from multiple perspectives. National Data Dictionary The National Data Dictionary is a public repository of metadata for South Africa. It provides a single authoritative and up-to-date source of information on the health system hierarchy, data element and indicator definitions and GIS coordinates. The availability of services such as these is essential for ensuring that software used in the public (and private) sector is interoperable and utilise standardised features (such as UIDs and GIS coordinates). Capacity Building Services Recognising that health information officers represent a new cadre of health worker, HISP has initiated the process of developing a framework that will support career path progression of information officers and managers in health information systems. In support of this, a number of short- and longterm initiatives are under way to create opportunities by developing one-onone interactive training, under- and postgraduate curricula courses through universities, and eLearning support. Examples include: • Interactive HIM training modules – working closely with the DOH to develop relevant, interactive HIM training modules, including DHIS2 Foundation, Introduction of DHIS2 for Managers, Data Quality Improvement and Use of Information for Data Capturers and Information Officers, Evidence Based Health Results Management (EBHRM) for Managers, etc. • UNISA courses – Evidence Based Health Results Management for Managers • UWC Winter School Training – Introduction to DHIS2 and GIS in DHIS2 • eLearning – DHIS2 Foundation and Patient Experience of Care (PEC) • Training on demand to both private institutions and NGOs.
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