Influence of organizational drivers on utilization of health information for decision making by operational level managers. A case of Imenti South Sub-County hospitals, Meru County, Kenya.

Abstract

Purpose: This paper sought to determine the effect of organizational drivers on utilization of health information by operational level managers in Imenti South sub-county hospitals. Methodology: A cross sectional study design adopting quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed targeting all 64 operational level managers heading various units of the 39 Imenti South sub-county registered health facilities. Data was collected through questionnaires as well as using interview and observation techniques. The questionnaires were self-administered and consisted open and closed-ended questions. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive analysis was done through the use of means, frequencies and percentages while inferential analysis involved the use of regression models and correlation analysis. Content analysis was done for qualitative data. Results were presented in tables and pie charts. Findings: In the results and findings, it was observed by majority of the respondents that there was an increase in the establishment of data control systems in health facilities as opposed to a contrary finding earlier by the ministry of health. It was also observed that variables included in the regression model of environmental factors on utilization of health information revealed significant prediction for utilization of health information in health care decisions. It was evident that the evaluation of HMIS and information use was still very low and in some instances, it had not been adopted as supported by a large percentage of the respondents. This showed that health care workers and managers did not always put the data collected to best use. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Organizational drivers do influence utilization of health information for decision making by operational level managers of health facilities. The county government should reorient operational level managers on health information essentials for allocative efficiency and effective health care decisions.