Our May 2019 DHIS2 Advanced Analytics Training on the Nigerian National Health Management Information System (NHMIS)
Our DHIS2 advanced analytics training which was a three-day event kicked off on the 2nd of May, 2019 with twelve (12) trainees in attendance. This training was focused on the Nigerian National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) with the theme: DHIS2 for Public Health.
On the first day, participants were introduced to DHIS2 and the basics of the software were taught. They also learnt data collection and data entry using the DHIS2 platform.
Image 1: Participants taking notes during the training
On the second day, we delved into analyzing data using pivot tables, interpreting data using the data visualizer module, using the GIS module to create and manage maps and lots more. Participants were trained on the management of dashboards which involved creating a dashboard, editing an existing dashboard and also integrating charts, pivot tables and maps with dashboards. At the end of the day, each participant was able to use all the analytics tools taught without any help.
Image 2: CEO, eHealth4everyone addressing the trainees
During the training on using the data entry app, the importance of accurate data collection in Nigeria was emphasized and everyone was enjoined to ensure the input of accurate data at all times. This is because the data collected is used to inform decision makers on how best to improve performance and service delivery in health care. In addition, inaccurate data is misleading and may produce redundant results if used to implement any intervention. To combat this problem, the DHIS2 has certain ‘gatekeeping measures’ in place to ensure the validity and accuracy of data. These measures include input validations, validation rules, compulsory data elements and minimum-maximum limits amongst others. The trainees then had a practical session that further taught them what to do to minimise data error. The participants were also taught how to carry out data quality control using DHIS2 focusing on NHMIS.
Image 3: Participants listening attentively during one of the sessions
On the third and final day, participants were introduced to the reporting functionality i.e how to generate standard reports using DHIS2. Some examples of these reports are the Reporting rate summary, Organization Unit Distribution Report and Data set Report and Standard reports. Case scenarios were given to illustrate the rationale behind the generation and use of each of these report types in DHIS2. An important aspect of the DHIS2 is the dashboard and the participants were taught how to create dashboards, it’s importance and how to use them effectively.
The DHIS2 has a mobile app and in the final session, the participants were taught how to make use of the mobile app on their cell phones to collect data and view dashboards.
Being an interactive class, questions and suggestions from the trainees were welcomed and addressed accordingly. Every topic taught was accompanied by a practical session and this was aided by the set-up of the DHIS2 software on the personal computers of the trainees.
Image 4: Participants being aided during one of the practical sessions by an instructor
To ensure minds stayed sharp and ready to learn, our participants were provided with healthy and tasty meals at the tea break and lunch hours every day of the training period. This also provided the participants with the chance to interact and establish connections and relationships which we hope will prove useful in their careers.
Image 5: Participants being aided during one of the practical sessions
Excellence is our watchword at eHealth4everyone which is why we ensured that the training was nothing less than excellent. Thus, all our participants had wonderful things to say about the practical and inclusive nature of the training. Quoting one of our trainees, Samira M. Bashir, an analyst at the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics, “This training was awesome, very interesting and really hands-on. The trainers knew what they were doing and always carried us along. I would like to recommend this training to anyone who has an interest in Health Statistics because this is the training you require to help you in any data analysis”.
Image 6: A chart showing the confidence levels of participants for each topic before and after the training
Image 7: A chart showing the average confidence levels of participants before and after the training
You too can be a part of our next DHIS2 beginner to advanced level training. Register here
