Assessment of Challenges Faced by Healthcare Professionals in Reporting Heath Related Data: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Data Using District Health Information System Version Two (DHIS 2)

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance poses a growing threat to public health worldwide, demanding comprehensive strategies for monitoring, surveillance, and intervention. In Rwanda, a country that has made remarkable strides in healthcare, the effective reporting of AMR data is crucial to ensure the judicious use of antibiotics, prevent the spread of resistant pathogens, and safeguard public health. Two prominent E-Health systems, DHIS 2 and Open Clinic, have been implemented in Rwanda's healthcare infrastructure, each with its unique features and capabilities. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these systems in the context of AMR reporting within Rwanda's hospital network.

Methods: The research utilized a quantitative approach and it was conducted at CHUB, a teaching hospital in Rwanda's Southern Province. Participants included clinicians, administrative staff, and decision-makers, offering a comprehensive understanding of system usage where convenience sampling over a month yielded 50 participants while on data collection a questionnaire, with structured forms for end users, administrators, and ICT personnel. Ethical considerations were strictly followed, and finally with approval from the University's Institutional Review Board, informed consent, and confidentiality measures.

Results: The study involved diverse healthcare roles, with experience ranging from under a year to over ten years. All participants were familiar with DHIS 2 and Open Clinic. Most received training on both systems, and 31.3% preferred Open Clinic. DHIS 2's interface was considered user-friendly by 75% of users. DHIS 2 was more efficient in reporting time. Challenges included technical issues (22.9%), time-consuming data entry (14.6%), and data accuracy concerns (14.6%), with 41.7% facing a combination of these challenges. In conclusion, participants were proficient with both systems, but addressing technical issues, data entry, and accuracy challenges is vital for effective AMR data reporting. The choice of reporting platform and usability significantly enhances efficiency.

Conclusion: This study contributes to the enhancement of AMR surveillance and reporting mechanisms in Rwanda's healthcare system, aiming to strengthen the fight against AMR and improve healthcare outcomes. The acknowledgment of authors within the references section underscores the importance of ethical research practices and transparency in academic endeavors.