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Measuring Health Systems Performance

 

Challenge

Often the biggest challenge facing developing countries is not a lack of information. More frequently, the challenge is bringing together the many disparate sources and types of data that are being produced. Developing countries are often overwhelmed with the distinct and competing requirements for data tied to external program investments, with the greatest burden falling on the lowest levels of the health system.

In addition, routinely collected data (such as facility-based data) is often not associated with the intermittently collected data (such as surveys and census data), leaving large gaps in measuring health systems performance.These challenges often keep policymakers from modifying health planning and resource allocation based on accurate, timely and relevant health systems data.

Approach

The Health Systems 20/20 strategy for measuring and monitoring health systems is to provide and maximize the use of a set of established, innovative tools creating a standardized measurement. A key starting point for countries is to identify the relative strengths and weaknesses of the health system, priority issues, and potential recommendations by conducting a health systems assessment.

After an initial assessment, health information systems tools can be implemented to improve linkages between health care entities at the local, regional, and central levels to increase the flow of accurate, complete data in a timely manner. HIS strengthening includes leveraging key analytical tools, such as Geographic Information System technology, to identify trends that inform program planning and decision making and to correlate service delivery with health outcomes.

At higher levels, the web-based Health Systems Database allows users to easily compile and analyze country data from multiple sources to quickly assess the performance of a country’s health system, benchmark performance against other countries on key indicators, and monitor progress toward system strengthening goals.

Health Systems 20/20 and Measuring & Monitoring Health Systems Performance brief