Integration and fragmentation of Health Information Systems

This book presents an assessment of the integration status of the routine Health Information System (HIS) in the Malawian health system. The aim of the study was to determine where fragmentation exists and why; and then make recommendations on whether, and how integration could be achieved to improve the system. A qualitative case study approach was used to investigate existing information systems at various levels of the health system and the use of the information by health managers. The book presents how despite having implemented some of the integration strategies advocated for in literature, fragmentation still existed in the HIS. Hence the book argues for the need to implement strategies that allow flexibility and adaptability in the HIS in order to ensure integration of HIS is sustained over time. The book also examines the practicality of some recommended HIS design and implementation frameworks such as the information cycle and the hierarchy of standards. The book further presents evidence on how health information is used by health managers in various stages of the decision-making process of Lasswell''s classical model.