Criteria for the evaluation of district health information systems

A comprehensive set of evaluation criteria for District Health Information Systems (DHISs) in South Africa (SA) have been developed. The criteria are organised in the following eight categories: philosophy and objectives, policy and procedures, functionality, facilities and equipment, DHIS management and staffing, user/patient interaction, staff development and education, and evaluation and quality improvement. A handbook of evaluation criteria has been compiled by restating the evaluation criteria to include mechanisms for measuring whether or not criteria have been met.