Use of Data in Health Planning Process: Stories from Council Health Management Teams in Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction

In Tanzania, the provision of primary health care services is vested to Local Government Authorities. Council Health Management Teams prepare Comprehensive Council Health Plans to guide the provision of health services within the authorities. The purpose of this study was to describe the process of preparing CCHPs, including the data sources used.

Methods

Three focus group discussions were conducted with 15 CHMT members. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Thematic analysis was conducted after discussions that were translated into English and transcribed.

Results

The focal person and coordinators for the Health Management Information System were cited as the main sources of data for planning. District Health Information System (DHIS2) was the main source of data used in planning although there were some indicators reported, which were far from reality, and therefore, considered unreliable.

Conclusion

CHMT members should be trained in the basic analysis, and use of DHIS2 data. This would improve their data analysis, and use skills since are imperative to developing a culture of data use in planning.