Assessment of data quality and reporting systems for underserved populations: the case of integrated community case management programs in Nigeria

Abstract

Decision makers are searching for reliable data and best practices to support the implementation and scale-up of the integrated community case management (iCCM) programs in underserved areas to reduce under-five mortality in low-income countries. This study assesses data quality and reporting systems of the World Health Organization supported Rapid Access Expansion program implementing iCCM in Abia and Niger States, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study used data from 16 primary health facilities in both states. Data were collected through review of registers and monthly summary reports of 140 community-oriented resource persons (CORPs), assessments of the five dimensions of the data reporting systems and 46 key informant interviews with stakeholders. Data quality was assessed by availability, completeness and consistency. Each component of the reporting system was assessed on a 3-point scale (weak, satisfactory and strong). Results show that both the structure, functions and capabilities, as well as data collection and reporting tools dimensions of the reporting system were strong, scoring (2.80, 2.73) for Abia and (2.88, 2.75) for Niger, respectively. Data management processes and links with national reporting system components scored low 2 s, indicating fair strength. Data availability, completeness and consistency were found to be good, an indication of adequate training and supervision of CORPs and community health extension workers. Indicator definitions and reporting guidelines were the weakest dimension of the system due to lack of data reporting guidelines in both states. In conclusion, the results indicate satisfactory data reporting systems and good quality data during early implementation of iCCM programs in the two states. Hence, countries planning to adopt and implement iCCM programs should first develop structures, establish national standardized tools for collecting and reporting data, provide for adequate training and supervision of community health workers and develop reporting guidelines for all reporting levels to ensure data quality.

Evaluation of the malaria reporting system supported by the District Health Information System 2 in Solomon Islands

“…Conversely, inaccurate information can lead to poor choices in health investments. Regular feedback to the health centre is also important in improving the quality of data [36,64,67]. Feedback is a form of training and directly addresses the causes of poor quality data and enhances awareness of the importance of data.…”

Evaluation of the District Health Information System 2 supported malaria reporting system in Solomon Islands

“…Conversely, inaccurate information can lead to poor choices in health investments. Regular feedback to the health centre is also important in improving the quality of data [36,65,68]. Feedback is a form of training and directly addresses the causes of poor quality data and enhances awareness of the importance of data.…”

iCCM data quality: an approach to assessing iCCM reporting systems and data quality in 5 African countries

“…The DQAs evaluated the data reporting systems in place and provided recommendations on how to improve data quality. Details on some of the DQAs conducted under RAcE have been published elsewhere [21,23]. In general, however, there is limited literature on the process of conducting DQAs, specifically for data generated at the community level.…”

“…DQAs play an important role in identifying and making recommendations to address some of these problems. However, literature and published guidance on how to conduct DQAs specifically for community-based interventions, such as iCCM programs, is limited [21,23]. Several studies have also noted the importance of documenting and describing the process used to conduct DQAs, especially for data originating from the community level [24].…”