Strengthening routine health information system in Georgia: assessment of STI case management performance and routine data recording

Lali Khotenashvili, MOH Georgia

The objective of this paper is to present the findings of assessment of case management and medical recording performance of sexually transmitted diseases in Georgia. This assessment was carried out intending to contribute to improvement of the national health information systems.

The objective of the activity was to assess the quality of case management and medical recording of clinical procedures. The specific objectives included: a) to improve the quality of care in selected health services; b) to assess current case management performance in selected services as compared to diagnostics and treatment standards; c) to assess the data entered into patient records in terms of validity, relevance to tasks performed, completeness and usefulness for case management; d) to assess the usefulness and accuracy of summaries in facility reports; e) to identify opportunities to improve the validity and consistency of data, including the use of standard case definitions and nomenclature.

The methods used in the assessment were following: a) direct observation of a clinical examination; b) direct observation of laboratory investigation; c) review of medical records; d) interview with health staff;. e) interview with patients.

Data obtained showed that assessment of case management and recording performance should be applied as a quality assurance method. This methodology allows to rapidly assess the quality and use of clinic data as a means to improve the quality of health services and the quality of service data.