In this practical, hands-on simulated data use session in the Making Self-Injection Count workshop, participants first learned about experiences running data review meetings in Kenya and Tanzania, highlighting lessons learned and best practices. Then they practiced skills using a mock decision-support tool to solve a common self-injection data challenge.
Objectives
By the end of the session, participants were able to:
- Describe key components of successful data use meetings and how data use meetings can be used to strengthen service delivery for family planning and self-care.
- Identify the skills, knowledge, and competencies (i.e., role profiles) needed for an effective data use team.
- Apply practical, hands-on strategies to run a data use meeting (including virtual meeting).
Key takeaways
- Data availability in HMIS/LMISes is necessary but not sufficient for efficient data use, strong service delivery, and commodity availability.
- Data-use teams comprise people from various levels of the health system with a common goal, a structured approach, and tools for reviewing data and taking action. Teams are trained to use data to clearly define and prioritize problems, conduct a root-cause analysis, and recognize small wins and good performance.
- There are seven key roles of an effective data-use team. Team members may assume different roles depending on the context and the problem being addressed.
- Organizer (logistics, agenda, notes).
- Problem solver (questions why, addresses challenges, steering to root cause of problems).
- Data wizard (indicators and interpretation, analysis of raw data, graph trends, visualize data).
- Supply chain (deep understanding of technical areas, supply chain processes, critical analysis of systems).
- Influencer (access to decision-makers, suggestions are taken seriously, advocacy).
- Resource (handles/advocates for funding).
- Leader (needs to endorse or support decisions, big picture/vision of the team).
- Critical components for effective data use:
- Deliberate design: multidisciplinary team with a common performance goal.
- Decision-support tool: user-friendly visualized data.
- Follow a structured process.
- Consistency: regular data review meetings with consistent attendance because data change with time.
- Champions and leaders who guide implementation and work to sustain the gains achieved.
- Institutionalization of and resources for the data-use approach into existing structures.
Presenters
- Johnson Anyona, Analyst, InSupply Health
- Judy Anyona, Senior Advisor, InSupply Health
- Janet Makena, Analyst, InSupply Health
- Nomena Raberaoka, AC MLE and HCD Consultant, Madagascar
- Avotiana Rakotomanga, Madagascar Country Coordinator, JSI