Effects of Monitoring and Evaluation of Reports on Quality of Service Delivery within the Health Sector in Nyandarua County, Kenya

Abstract

Reliable and accurate health information is important for monitoring health and for evaluating and improving the delivery of healthcare services and programmes. Studies on Health Information Systems in resource-poor countries often document problems with reporting such as incomplete records and untimely reporting. These systems are the source of data that can be used for continuous and routine monitoring of health programmes. The objective of the study is to determine the influence of monitoring and evaluation of writing of health reports on the quality of service delivery in health facilities in Nyandarua County, in Kenya. Descriptive design was used in order to determine the relationship between the completeness and accuracy of health reports and quality of healthcare. Under the design, in-depth information about how health workers practices, in relation to weekly and monthly health reports, affect the quality of healthcare provision will be understood. Majority of the health workers reported their ability to report using the tools comfortably. Some of the respondents revealed that they had challenges when writing reports as they did not understand the reporting tools adequately. Healthcare workers are seen to be conversant with the data collection and reporting tools. Findings therefore demonstrate that those who are not conversant with the reporting tools are likely to give inaccurate data. The study established that when monitoring and evaluation of health report-writing is not carried out, the quality of service is affected. For example, in relation to staff deployment, commodity procurement and disease management.

 Keywords: Health Reports, Quality of Service Delivery, Report Timeliness