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Health Information System (HIS) Reference Manual

Health, January 2010

© UNHCR
Health Information System Reference Manual

The manual forms the core reference document for a five-day "Training of Trainers" workshop. This is the prelude to country-level training for implementing partner staff, followed by camp-based deployment of the HIS. The modules are designed to be reproduced and used independently of the manual, in field trainings and exercise work for frontline health staff.


Part One: Introduction

Part One presents an overview of the HIS. It describes the purpose of data collection, the process of selecting standards and indicators, and the importance of standardised health information. It also introduces the concept of the data cycle, the key partners involved, and explains the frequency of reporting at each level of health management.


Part Two: Technical Sections

Part Two introduces the technical sections in the HIS. The HIS contains 10 technical modules, which correspond to the primary healthcare model upon which services are planned, organised and delivered (see List).

The modules identify the sources required for data collection; define who is responsible for the data; and provide guidance on the "what, how and when" of collecting and reporting health information. Each has been designed as a reproducible, field-based guide that can be used independently of the manual to train staff at the camp level.


Part Three: Data Management and Support

Part Three contains core topics related to data management and data validation; internal auditing and quality control; and database management. It also describes how new toolkits will be updated and replaced in the field.


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