Management information systems and microcomputers in Primary Health Care: Issues and challenges
Abstract
Information Technology for Development Volume 4 Number 4. © 1989 Oxford University Press. Management Information Systems and Microcomputers in Primary Health Care: issues and Challenges Robert Schware The World Bank Washington DC 20433 USA Dr. Robert Schware is a consultant to The World Bank's information, Technology & Facilities Department. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to The World Bank. One of the fundamental problems faced by primary health care (PHC) programmes in most countries, particulary the poorest developing countries of Africa and Asia, is how to expand PHC programmes to cover larger populations with less per capita financial resources. The international workshop on Management Information Systems and Microcomputers in Primary Health Care will attack this problem by exploring new approaches to management, by strenghtening management information systems, and by exploring the potential of microcomputers in management of primary health care programmes. Before identifying and elaborating key challenges and issues of improving PHC programme efficiency, three fundamental requirements must first be recognized: (1) improved management of PHC programmes; (2) relevant, accurate and practical information for the managerial process; and last, (3) efficient and reliable feedback of information in developing and implementing