Improving Data Quality and Information Use through Capacity Building and Mentorship Program in Ethiopia: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Abstract Background: The Capacity Building and Mentorship Program (CBMP) is a collaborative initiative of the Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia (FMOH) and selected Universities to enhance the Information Revolution Agenda. Recently, the FMOH declared that some CBMP implementations woredas are models. Therefore, assessing the best practices and lessons learned among the model woredas is essential for the success and scalability of the program. This study explores the best practices and lessons learned and their implications for creating a learning health system. Methods: - A descriptive exploratory case-study design was conducted in four verified model woredas and one town administration across three regions: Amhara, Sidama, and Benishangul-Gumuz of Ethiopia. The study involved interviewing forty-two informants who were purposively selected from the model districts. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore information on the Performance Monitoring Team (PMT), data management, analysis, visualization and use, capacity building, and infrastructure. The data collected was analyzed thematically using Atlas ti. 8 software. Results: - Six themes were explored in this study: technical, behavioral, organizational intervention, health information system performance improvement, sustainability, and challenges. Need-based and practical capacity-building training, local resource mobilization, leadership engagement, HIS task audit, HIS accountability framework, reward, and recognition were some of the critical best experiences and lessons to be shared. Besides data visualization and dissemination, the Performance Monitoring Team (PMT) functionality and quality improvement project using strategic problem-solving approaches enhanced the intervention implementation. This study asserted local resource mobilization, leadership engagement, and institutional capacity building as critical factors for the sustainability of existing achievements. However, staff shortage and turnovers, job evaluation grading complaints, and low competency of medical record unit staff were existing challenges affecting the sustainability and scalability of the best experiences and lessons. Conclusion and recommendation: - Numerous best experiences and lessons are identified among model districts. Need-based and practical HIS capacity-building training, leadership engagement, local resource mobilization, and HIS accountability framework were scalable and replicable best experiences and lessons. However, staff shortage and turnover, local Health Information Technician complaints, and contextual factors must be considered while scaling up to other areas.