Impact on the management and delivery of primary health care by a computer-based information system

Timely and accurate information forms the basis for management to plan and for care providers to take appropriate action. We report from a developing country a research project aimed to strengthen the information infrastructure with a computer at a Primary Health Centre. The software (MCHS) was designed to assist the care providers in the information management for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programme activities. In Phase I, a baseline survey was conducted to identify the needs and target groups. In Phase II, the MCHS was integrated into routine delivery of MCH to monitor the target population and help in evaluation. The research project's impact is reflected in enhanced utilization of services and quality in care, as seen by reduction of dropouts from the immunization program. In economic terms, we see that the costs for a fully immunised child are reduced with reduction of dropouts; thus, the computer system contributes to quality assurance and cost effectiveness in delivery of care.