E-drug: Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) reform
(copied from a discussion on HMIS in AFRO-NETS)
I have worked in essential drugs programs in developing countries for 15
years. Therefore I will address HMIS from the essential drugs
perspective: It links in with everything else. For the efficient
implementation of an essential drugs program as part of a PHC program,
there must be collection of data concerning disease patterns and
treatments. Treatment guidelines addressing the most common disease
according to a standard list of drugs will be in place in a well-operating
primary health care program. Patient records must be fully kept and
looked at. Orders for drugs will not be automatically filled in response
to the requests from the health facilities. Essential drugs program staff
responsible for the procurement, storage and distribution of essential drugs
will know the treatment guidelines and will be able to question orders
which indicate that drugs may not be used according to treatment
guidelines. e.g. Are too many antibiotics ordered? What are they being used
for? Is ORS never ordered? Why? Maybe a visit to the health facility to
look to patient records is required. Ongoing education/supervision on the
job, in the community is crucial. Targets can be identified for ongoing
education of health providers, of all PHC staff and of the community.
If drugs are not used according to treatment guidelines, it is impossible
to predict needs and maintain a reliable supply.
Beverley Snell
International Health Unit
Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research
Fairfield, Australia 3078
mailto:bev@mbcmr.unimelb.edu.au
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Wilbert Bannenberg, SADAP Coordinator
Hallmark 938, P/Bag X 828, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tel work +27-12-3120374/5 Fax +27-12-3244525 Cellphone +27-82-5756249
Email 73377.3055@compuserve.com or bannew@hltrsa.pwv.gov.za
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