Rationale

Health Management Information System is an important management tool which is crucial in assessing whether the key activities of a programme or a project are carried out as planned, and whether these activities have expected effects. It helps manage the resources and activities of the programme to enhance its impact along a continuum, from short term to long term. Systematic management and use of information enhances the effectiveness of a programme by establishing clear links between programme goals and objectives and expected results or outcomes. It can help managers to obtain relevant information that can subsequently be used as the basis for programmatic fine-tuning with new solutions, reorientation of the programme and future course of planning.

The programme offers intensive training covering fundamental concepts and tools for management information systems for health programmes, including Reproductive and Child Health, STD/HIV/AIDS, nutrition and other health programmes. The programme focuses on developing skills in planning and designing management system that uses information for better decision-making and accountability to improve efficiency and effectiveness of health programmes.

Objectives

The overall objective of the programme is to strengthen the capabilities of the participants in designing and implementing health management information system.

The specific objectives are:

• To enhance understanding of the basic concepts and approaches for health management information system

• To develop understanding of indicators, enhance skills to develop them or choose the appropriate ones for their programme

• To develop skills for employing tools and techniques for designing and implementing management information system for their programmes.

Contents

• Key concepts and approaches to health management information system (HMIS)

• Understanding, developing and using indicators and performance standards (input, process, output, impact)

• Strategies and methodologies for programme monitoring (including Result-based Management (RBM))

• Monitoring and assessing quality of services

• Conceptualizing, designing and conducting evaluation studies

• Using computers for HMIS

• Designing and implementing plans for HMIS

Participants

The programme is designed for:

• Planners, managers, programme officers and trainers of various health programmes at the national, state and district levels.

• Managers of area projects funded by international agencies.

• Leaders and managers of NGOs working in the health field.

Course Coordinator

Mr. Anoop K. Khanna, MSW (anoop@iihmr.org)

Mr. Santosh Kumar(Santosh@iihmr.org)

Mr. Anoop Khanna has a background in social work. Having worked at the Institute for about ten years, he has acquired considerable experience in programme management and research. His areas of interest are population programme management, programme evaluation, HIV/AIDS, and reproductive health.