Health information system installation: principles and problems

Many studies have been done to identify health problems and practices and to obtain knowledge of the characteristics of the population. Often specific data desired by the investigators are not available at the time of final analysis. This paper emphasizes the importance of planning and designing the system for recording and processing information together with the planning and development of the program or project. Principles that were applied and problems that occurred in demonstration projects in developed and less developed countries are described. Some examples of applications to improve the health services for the rural dewellers in a less developed country are illustrated. The methodology evolved has broad application and may be useful to others who have needs for data on an ambulatory population.