Evaluating Impact of Electronic Logistic Management Information System in Rwanda Health Supply Chain

Abstract

Background: Appropriate logistics management information system in the supply chain enhances health outcomes by maintaining accurate and timely data. Although e-LMIS is being used as the sole source of collecting logistics data for the supply chain in Rwanda, reports are still showing that most health facilities have inaccurate data with irregular recording, pharmaceutical products expiration, and stock-outs in the health system. Looks like e-LMIS doesn't improve stock monitoring and inventory management which leads to interrupted supply chain and hence ineffective services to customers. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of e-LMIS utilization in Rwanda's health supply chain improvement at district pharmacies in Rwanda. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design with a qualitative method was conducted from 08 July to 26 July 2019. Participants were recruited by census convenience sampling method to participate in the study. The questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. The tool was piloted and tested for validity and reliability. During data analysis, demographic characteristics of respondents, e-LMIS utilization level, the impact of e-LMIS use in health supply chain management were described and analyzed using descriptive statistical package for the social sciences version 21, limitations and suggestions also were presented. Results: 59 out 60 users from 30 districts pharmacies participated in the study. This study showed that two-third of respondents do always use e-LMIS as part of their job and at least half of respondents (57%) use all e-LMIS functions, 72.9% use e-LMIS information to report. The study revealed that e-LMIS contribute to data accessibility at 94.9 % and contributes in the reduction of quantification challenges at 57.6%. And, the use of e-LMIS has improved the quality of data 77.9% and inventory management of health products at optimum with a reduction of losses due to expiries. The highlighted limitations were system complexities, lack of sufficient staff, and accountabilities for both users and authorities. Conclusion: The findings showed that most of the users partially use e-LMIS functions and agreed on improvement in health supply chain management through e-LMIS use. There is a need of resolving system complexities, user commitment, and involvement of authorities both local and national for better use of e-LMIS.