The Role Of Research And Information Systems In Decision Making For The Development Of Human Resources For Health

A study group meeting was convened by the World Health Organization to enable participants to share their expertise and experience in the areas of research and health personnel information systems, and to identify strategies for the better use of information and research in decision-making for human resources for health (HRH) development. This report provides information on that meeting in 13 sections: (1) Introduction (background information and goals); (2) Conceptual Framework (developed by the group to guide its work); (3) Development of Human Resources for Health in Support of Health for All; (4) Obstacles to HRH Development; (5) Decision-Making (levels of decision-making and information needs, use of information by decision-makers, and factors affecting decision-making); (6) Strengthening Decision-Making; (7) Information Support and the National Health Information System (types of information needed to support decision-making, national health information systems, and framework for an HRH information system); (8) Strengthening Information Systems (standardizing definitions of data, integrated versus coordinated systems, feedback, development and use of indicators, mechanisms for collecting information and use of informatics, and optimizing the contribution of information systems); (9) Research (decision-linked research, contribution of research to decision-making, and research priorities); (10) Strengthening Research (why little research is done and more effective utilization of results); (11) Approaches and Strategies To Strengthen Information Systems and Research; (12) Conclusions; and (13) Recommendations (to member states and to WHO). An illustrative example of essential HRH data is appended. (12 references) (BBM)

Based on careful analysis of burden of disease and the costs ofinterventions, this second edition of 'Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd edition' highlights achievable priorities; measures progresstoward providing efficient, equitable care; promotes cost-effectiveinterventions to targeted populations; and encourages integrated effortsto optimize health. Nearly 500 experts - scientists, epidemiologists, health economists,academicians, and public health practitioners - from around the worldcontributed to the data sources and methodologies, and identifiedchallenges and priorities, resulting in this integrated, comprehensivereference volume on the state of health in developing countries.

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