Use of a district health information system 2 routine immunization dashboard for immunization program monitoring and decision making, Kano State, Nigeria

Introduction: a district health information system 2 tool with a customized routine immunization (RI) module and indicator dashboard was introduced in Kano State, Nigeria, in November 2014 to improve data management and analysis of RI services. We assessed the use of the module for program monitoring and decision-making, as well as the enabling factors and barriers to data collection and use.

Methods: a mixed-methods approach was used to assess user experience with the RI data module and dashboard, including 1) a semi-structured survey questionnaire administered at 60 health facilities administering vaccinations and 2) focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews conducted with immunization program staff members at the local government area (LGA) and state levels.

Results: in health facilities, a RI monitoring chart was used to review progress toward meeting vaccination coverage targets. At the LGA, staff members used RI dashboard data to prioritize health facilities for additional support. At the State level, immunization program staff members use RI data to make policy decisions. They viewed the provision of real-time data through the RI dashboard as a "game changer". Use of immunization data is facilitated through review meetings and supportive supervision visits. Barriers to data use among LGA staff members included inadequate understanding of the data collection tools and computer illiteracy.

Conclusion: the routine immunization data dashboard facilitated access to and use of data for decision-making at the LGA, State and national levels, however, use at the health facility level remains limited. Ongoing data review meetings and training on computer skills and data collection tools are recommended.