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]
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