An innovation to improve health outcomes in Amajuba district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Issue 4 (4th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tshabalala, Ann Mamosa Elsie Teboho; Taylor, Myra
• Is Part Of: Development Southern Africa. Volume 35:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 497
• Page End: 510
• Publication Date: 2018-07-04
• Subjects: Disaggregated data -- National Health Insurance -- financial risk protection; Economic development -- Africa, Southern -- Periodicals; Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.90096805
• DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2018.1483225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-835X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Systems' thinking places high value on understanding the context. This study focused on the collection of disaggregated data in order to understand the context, to facilitate improvement of health outcomes. The aim of this article was to assess the implementation of municipal ward-based health data collection (disaggregated data) and health care workers' perceptions of this data collection process. This cross-sectional study used mixed methods in Amajuba district. The participants were professional nurses at the Primary Health Care level. Of the 131 respondents, 123 (93.9%) collected municipal ward-based health data, and found it useful. Opportunities for improving data collection were identified. Disaggregation of the data at ward level contributes to a better understanding of the target population's health, assists planning for health needs and enables provision of targeted interventions in order to improve health outcomes, to prevent financial regression and waste of health resources.