Enhancing Immunization Coverage through Health Information Systems: A System Dynamics Approach

This paper demonstrates how qualitative System Dynamics methodology can be used to provide a better understanding of health systems thus facilitating better development and design of computer-based health information systems. In an earlier paper by the same authors, system dynamics modeling and field study research methods are used to capture the complex and dynamic nature of the immunization process, to enhance the understanding of the immunization health care problems and to generate insights that may increase the immunization coverage effectiveness. Through qualitative modeling, causal loop diagrams which are used to show the key issues that need to be addressed when developing health information systems are drawn with the aim of improving the immunization services. The paper shows the benefits of using System Dynamics to understand systems with complex interactions thus facilitating the development of information systems that meet the stakeholder requirements.