Assessment of the health information system related resources in the primary health centers in Iraq

Abstract

Background: Sound health statistics are essential for health decision-making at all levels of the health system. Unfortunately, Health information systems in most countries are inadequate in providing the needed management support and the current health information systems are therefore widely seen as management obstacles rather than as tools, the current study is an attempt to assess the available resources of health information system at the primary health care center level.Methods: A total of twenty six health centers were selected from seven districts that were selected from six Iraqi governorates. The Office/facility check list was used to measure the available resources concerning the health information system within the health centers, it is one of the PRISM package tools that are used to assess the HIS performance.Results: One hundred percent of the facilities surveyed have computer, printer and calculators respectively while only 57.7% have an internet access, 100% of facilities reported continuity of electrical supply with the presence of the generators. Air conditioning and the availability of tap water were high and they were 96.2% for both. All the facilities didn’t report any running out of any register in the past twelve months.Conclusion: The available resources within the health facilities are quite good for the running of health information system related activities with no problem with such aspect that could affect the health information system performance.