Data Demand and Use Tools

Once specific needs are identified, data demand and use core tools can be utilized to stimulate data demand and capacity building and enhance evidence-based decision making.

The data demand and use strategy begins with an assessment that helps stakeholders, policy-makers, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practitioners determine points of entry for data demand and use intervention.

Once specific needs are identified, data demand and use core tools can be utilized to stimulate data demand and capacity building and enhance evidence-based decision making. These core tools are all available in one publication, Tools for Data Demand and Use in the Health Sector, or may be accessed separately below:

Quick Guide: Data Demand and Use in the Health Sector

This pocket manual serves as a cursory reference to the tools used to improve the demand for and use of information in health decision making. Each of the tools presented in this tool kit can be modified and adapted to fit the needs, timeline, and budget of the context in which they are being used.

Coaching Guide

The coaching guide provides structure to the process of continued technical support to individuals or teams of health professionals implementing a data demand and use intervention. This guide is intended to be used to advance the implementation of action plans that have been developed to facilitate data use.

Framework for Linking Data with Action assists program managers and policy makers appreciate the need for good data to support decision making. It also helps those that collect data, researchers and M&E specialists, visualize how their work can be applied to the program and policy context. 

Webinar Recording

Assessment of Data Use Constraints

A rapid assessment tool designed to identify barriers and constraints that inhibit effective practices in data use. These include organizational constraints, in which effective and systematic processes are inadequate in sharing data in a way that promotes evidence-based decision making; technical constraints in data collection and computer/technological shortages; and individual constraints.

Webinar Recording

Information Use Map

Assesses and identifies opportunities for improved data use and feedback mechanisms for stakeholders across different levels. It provides a visual context for gaps and defects in data sharing, leading to mid-course course improvements.

Webinar Recording

Stakeholder Engagement Tool

Helps ensure that the appropriate stakeholders in decision processes have been identified and involved. The tool provides a framework for assessing who the key actors are and identifying their interests, knowledge, positions, alliances, resources, power and importance. It assists with finding key areas of resistance or challenges to scaling up interventions, and key areas of support for the scale up.

Webinar Recording

Performance of Routine Information System Management

A conceptual framework encompassing four tools that aid in the assessment, design, monitoring and evaluation of routine health information systems (RHIS). This toolset analyzes the performance of RHIS by taking into account behavioral determinants, technical determinants, and organizational/environmental determinants.

Webinar Recording

Each tool is outlined separately on recordings and slides from the Data Demand and Use webinar series.