Table 5 Step 5: Resources to implement an information system for monitoring (digital or paper-based information system).

From: A simple six-step guide to National-Scale Hypertension Control Program implementation

Sub-step

Task

Description

General tool and templates

Country-specific examples

Step 5A

Establish HTN indicators

Establish program indicators based on the HEARTS Systems for monitoring module indicators.

WHO HEARTS Systems for monitoring module [5]

Resolve to Save Lives Indicators [9]

Differentiated service delivery indicatorsa

 

Step 5B

Create portable patient hypertension record

The patient card records patient information, cardiovascular health history, hypertension treatment dates, BP measurements and medications.

If information system is digital, include a QR code on the patient card if technology allows.

Paper-based:

India Hypertension Control Initiative Simple App digital patient record [9, 21]

Digital:

India Hypertension Control Initiative non-digital hypertension patient treatment card [9]

 

Step 5C

Establish process for monitoring and evaluation

Establish a method for calculating indicators. Plan to examine trends in key indicators and establish feedback loops for quality improvement.

Ensure data security and privacy, as well as quality control.

Simplified Indicator Calculator [9]

Ten Guiding Principles for Data Collection, Storage, Sharing, and Use to Ensure Security and Confidentiality [35]

Standards to Facilitate Data Sharing and Use of Surveillance Data for Public Health Action [35]

Country X Example: Simplified Indicator Calculator [9]

Step 5D

Establish process and timeline for reporting and dissemination of results.

Prepare reports summarizing indicators.

Disseminate reports to key stakeholders. Stakeholders could vary by program but may include national or subnational government officials, donors, civil society groups, academic community, patients.

Paper based:

India Hypertension Control Initiative registry, annual & quarterly report (non-digital) [9]

Digital:

Simple application - Hypertension management dashboard [9, 21]

 
  1. aDevelopment in progress.