09 – Strengthening Information Systems and Linkages to Care

Good software will fail in the absence of adequate hardware infrastructure. This means that programmes must plan to purchase appropriate servers and data entry devices (e.g. phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, barcode readers, fingerprint readers, printers) as per the needs of the information system. The placement of these systems, where the various parts should be installed and in what format are important considerations. For example, it may be easier for a care provider or data entry operator sitting at a desk in a facility with a good Internet connection to enter data on a laptop or desktop as opposed to a mobile device. Meanwhile, for a frontline health worker in the field, using a tablet may be easier than a phone owing to the larger screen size. In some environments, however, a phone may be the better option, as the visibility of the tablet may present a greater security risk. These decisions should be made in consultation with the software development team.

Servers must have adequate specifications, database backups should be automated, and physical and remote access controls should be in place to prevent data loss and/or data theft. It is also important to factor in Internet connectivity for mobile devices, computers and servers.