Turning Theory into Practice –
Week 1 as PIMS Officer
PIMS – A Vital Tool in Improving
Data Integrity at Health Facilities
Ms. Kebone Molefe (right) supporting facility
doctor to enter patient data into PIMS.
“Now I am more confident and
empowered to become what I
have always dreamed of – an IT
guru.”
Manual
paperwork systems have historically brought
challenges to Botswana’s health systems, including frequently
lost files, inadequate storage capacity, and insecure file
storage. National IT systems like Patient Information
Management System (PIMS) have aimed to improve security
mechanisms and data integrity across health facilities.
However, with large gaps in IT human resources, PIMS’s full
capacity was never realized. To new IT graduates from Botho
University switching from manual paperwork to IT database
systems was only theory.
Kebone Molefe, a PIMS IT Officer Intern, was part of a cohort
of 84 IT Interns deployed across 200 district health facilities
under the District Health IT Officers Public-Private
Partnership Internship Program. Kebone began her first week
in Tlokweng District in October 2012. It was then that theory
became a reality. Day 1 at Tlokweng Main Clinic she right away
assisted a pharmacy technician with a problematic computer
not running PIMS correctly. Day 2 at Mafitlhakgosi Clinic she
helped to troubleshoot PIMS since it wasn’t connecting in the
maternity unit due to poor wireless signals and expired user
accounts. Day 3 at the Nkaikela Health Post a computer was
attacked by a virus and Ms. Molefe jumped into action
providing immediate support.
Now as a result of her analytical skills and enhanced IT
expertise across Tlokweng’s facilities, PIMS is running nonstop
in every facility and all problems are resolved within three days
to avoid backlog and low morale among PIMS users. With her
Ms. Kebone Molefe,
support PIMS users have shown increased use and confidence.
PIMS IT Officer Intern,
As an IT Officer Intern, Ms. Molefe grew professionally and
Tlokweng District
her solid performance often earned the praise of her new co workers.
About the DHITO PPP: The District Health IT Officers Public-Private
Partnership (DHITO PPP) is an initiative between CDC Botswana and
Botho University, a private Botswana technology institution, and CDC’s
Public-Private Partnerships in PEPFAR Countries Project (CDC P4),
managed by Cardno Emerging Markets. The partnership works to
strengthen IT systems in Botswana through placement of IT interns on
assignments in health districts to support small health facilities receiving
inadequate IT infrastructure support.
For information on the DHITO PPP
visit www.cdcp4.org or email [email protected]