Abstract
BackgroundAlthough electronic health information systems (EHIS) with immunization components exist in Kenya, questions and concerns remain about their use and alignment with the Kenya Ministry of Health’s (MOH) National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP). This article reports on the findings of an assessment of select EHIS with immunization components in Kenya, specifically related to system design, development, and implementation.MethodsWe conducted a rapid assessment of select EHIS with immunization components in Kenya from January to May 2017 to understand the design, development, implementation of the EHIS including the lessons learned from their use. We also assessed how the data elements in the EHIS compared to the data elements in the Maternal and Child Health Booklet used in the existing paper based system in Kenya.ResultsThe EHIS reviewed varied in purpose, content, and population covered. Only one system was built to focus specifically on immunization data. Substantial differences in system functionality and immunization-related data elements included in the EHIS were identified. None of the EHIS had all the data elements necessary to fully replace or operate independently from the standardized paper-based system for recording immunization data in Kenya.ConclusionsOverall, the findings of this assessment highlighted substantial variation in the EHIS with immunization components. The findings provide insights and lessons learned for the Kenya MOH NVIP, immunization partners, vendors of EHIS, and users of EHIS to consider as Kenya transitions from paper-based to electronic immunization information systems.
Highlights
Electronic health information systems (EHIS) with immunization components exist in Kenya, questions and concerns remain about their use and alignment with the Kenya Ministry of Health’s (MOH) National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP)
We conducted a rapid assessment of select electronic health information systems (EHIS) with immunization components to understand the design, development, implementation of the EHIS including the lessons learned from their use
Future assessments should explore the benefits to immunization programs of standalone versus integrated electronic Immunization Information System (IIS). This assessment only looked at EHIS in comparison to one of the standardized paper-based system tools – the Maternal and Child Health Booklet (MCHB), our findings showed that none of the EHIS had all the data elements necessary to fully replace or operate independently from the standardized paper-based system for tracking immunizations in Kenya
Summary
Electronic health information systems (EHIS) with immunization components exist in Kenya, questions and concerns remain about their use and alignment with the Kenya Ministry of Health’s (MOH) National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP). This article reports on the findings of an assessment of select EHIS with immunization components in Kenya, related to system design, development, and implementation. The discussions ensure the design, development, and use of a system align with the system’s intended purpose and NVIP goal. To facilitate the use of immunization data by NVIP, the electronic IIS should include immunization specific standards.
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