Assessment of Stakeholder Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Health Data Governance Principles in Botswana: Web-Based...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Public Health
• Information Governance

Background:

• Global adoption of eHealth increases demand for robust health data governance (HDG).
• Botswana's Ministry of Health seeks to strengthen HDG post-eHealth implementation.
• Transform Health developed HDG principles focusing on people, health value, and equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate health sector workers' perceptions of Transform Health's HDG principles in Botswana.
• Gather insights for future guidance on implementing HDG principles.

Main Methods:

• Purposive sampling of 23 healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, IT professionals, health informaticians).
• Web-based survey with validity and reliability testing.
• Follow-up round-table discussion with 10 participants analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• Some participants recognized existing HDG measures, while others were unaware or disagreed.
• Participants affirmed the relevance and importance of HDG principles in Botswana.
• Suggestions for modifying the HDG principles were proposed.

Conclusions:

• Health data governance is essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage.
• Botswana needs to critically assess existing HDG frameworks for applicability.
• An organization-centered approach and strengthening existing practices with Transform Health principles are recommended.