One of the mandates of the MEASURE Evaluation project is to strengthen the collection, analysis, and use of routine health information system (RHIS) data for the delivery of high-quality health services. JSI, through MEASURE Evaluation, developed the Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) Framework and suite of tools in 2011 for global use in assessing the reliability and timeliness of an RHIS, in making evidence-based decisions, and in identifying gaps in an RHIS so they can be addressed and the system can be improved.
With USAID’s support and through the MEASURE Evaluation project, JSI has revised the PRISM Tools and developed other elements, based on the PRISM Framework, to create a broad array of materials: the “PRISM Series.” This new, more comprehensive PRISM Series is useful for designing, strengthening, and evaluating RHIS performance and developing a plan to put the results of a PRISM assessment into action.
This revised “PRISM Tools”—the PRISM Series’ core document—offers the following data collection instruments: the RHIS Overview Tool, the Performance Diagnostic Tool, the Electronic RHIS Performance Assessment Tool, the Management Assessment Tool, the Facility/Office Checklist, and the Organizational and Behavioral Assessment Tool.
These PRISM tools can be used together to gain an in-depth understanding of overall RHIS performance, to establish a baseline, and to rigorously evaluate the progress and effectiveness of RHIS strengthening interventions every five years, contributing to the national RHIS strategic planning process. Each PRISM tool can also be used separately for in-depth analysis of specific RHIS performance areas and issues.