Sustain

iHRIS requires ongoing support and improvement to ensure sustainability. Further development of iHRIS should be driven by its usefulness to stakeholders and data users. Regular monitoring and evaluation determines what iHRIS is accomplishing, what needs to be improved, and whether results are being achieved. HRIS performance measures are benchmarks for evaluating how efficient and effective the system is. Regular use of the system for decision-making, with most stakeholders accepting its data as reliable and valid, would be the ultimate measure of the system’s performance.

The goal of any performance monitoring plan (PMP) is not to focus on what is wrong and condemn it; rather, it is to highlight the positive aspects of the system that make it work, as well as to identify what went wrong as a basis for improvement. Ideally, a working group—often a subcommittee of the SLG—is responsible for implementing the PMP. Monitoring efforts should become a regular activity.

To encourage data demand and use for management of health workers, iHRIS needs to support everyday business processes, including new processes that may be developed. The stakeholders, via the SLG or another oversight mechanism, should continue to provide feedback about changing needs. System maintenance involves meeting these additional requirements, making iHRIS easier to use and more efficient over time, and incorporating new technologies as necessary.

It is important to communicate to stakeholders and the general public how iHRIS data have been used to address HRH policy and management challenges. This feedback links iHRIS with improving health outcomes. The SLG may consider making some reports publicly available, perhaps through a website or mobile application.

Be sure to document and store information on the evolution and growth of iHRIS, such as changes to the system and reasons for those updates. As new users enter the arena, a historical reference can be useful. Also document any challenges and how they were overcome. Sharing challenges and successes with the global iHRIS community helps everyone learn and contributes to the iHRIS development project as a whole.

Objectives and Deliverables

Project Management

Develop a plan for systematic monitoring and evaluation of iHRIS using predefined indicators.

Application of PRISM Tools and Interventions for Strengthening Routine Health Information System Performance (MEASURE Evaluation, 2013)

Software & Systems

Create a maintenance plan for supporting iHRIS. Follow up with users to determine how iHRIS is performing.

Template: HRIS Follow-Up Report

Determine whether new customizations or extensions of iHRIS are required to meet users’ needs. Document the requirements and develop them iteratively.

Documentation: iHRIS Train System Requirements

Data Quality & Standards

Develop a routine schedule and procedure for collecting and updating human resources data.

Example: Employee Record Update Protocol

Institute a regular data audit to validate the accuracy of HRH data.

Worksheet: Data Quality Assessment Form

Training & Support

Plan for how to provide technical support for iHRIS over the long term. Establish a helpdesk and user documentation such as Frequently Asked Questions.

Worksheet: Helpdesk Log

iHRIS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Free Helpdesk (open source helpdesk software)

Plan for continuing ICT skills development.

Report: Internship Program

iHRIS Academy

Data Use & Reporting

Establish routine evaluation of how data from iHRIS is used.

Checklist: Monitoring the Use of Data

Tools for Data Demand and Use in the Health Sector: Framework for Linking Data with Action (MEASURE Evaluation, 2011)

Building the Bridge from Human Resources Data to Effective Decisions: Ten Pillars of Successful Data-Driven Decision Making (CapacityPlus, 2008)

Discuss with stakeholders the value of making reports from iHRIS publicly available. Consider methods for publicly distributing this information that are appropriate for the context. Share success stories from iHRIS such as money saved.

Bringing Health Workforce Information to the Public in Uganda (CapacityPlus)

Ongoing

Open source projects like iHRIS depend on contributions from its users to expand features and fix issues. Sustaining iHRIS includes joining the Global Support Community on www.ihris.org and sharing your improvements to iHRIS so everyone can benefit from them. You can contribute code changes, new modules that you’ve developed, or even an entirely new application to solve a health workforce information issue. It is also valuable to share documentation and tools you’ve found useful like the ones in this Toolkit. Even making a simple bug report or sharing a helpful tip can improve iHRIS for everyone.