INTRODUCTION TO BASIC DATA ANALYSIS AND

INTERPRETATION FOR HEALTH PROGRAMS

Training Objectives

To improve understanding of statistical and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) concepts in data analysis

To build skills in basic data analysis, including setting targets and calculating program coverage, and service utilization and retention

To enhance skills in data interpretation

Training Overview

Training introduction

Module 1: Data analysis key concepts

Module 2: Basic analyses

Module 3: Data presentation & interpretation

Review of key themes

Introductions

Training Introduction

Training Introduction: Learning Objectives

Understand the importance of improving data-informed decision making

Understand the role of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data in decision making

Understand the importance of data analysis and interpretation

“… without information, things are done arbitrarily and one becomes unsure of whether a policy or program will fail or succeed. If we allow our policies to be guided by empirical facts and data, there will be a noticeable change in the impact of what we do.”

National-level Policymaker, Nigeria

Why Improve Data-informed Decision Making?

HIV epidemic

Resurgence of TB

Continued prevalence of malaria

Pockets of stalled fertility decline

Population burden

Shortage of health care workers

Context

Pressing need to develop health policies, strategies, and

interventions

Monitoring and Evaluation

Track changes in program performance over time

Monitoring

Attribute program outcomes to their causes

Evaluation

Data Data sources

Service delivery statistics

Census

Surveys, evaluations, research studies

Sentinel surveillance

Budget information

Data vs. information =

unsynthesized vs. synthesized

Purposes of Monitoring and Evaluation

Determine whether a plan or program is on schedule with planned activities

Assess whether a policy, plan, or program has produced desired impacts

Generate knowledge: • Identify programmatic gaps, factors that influence

health outcomes, etc.

Inform policy, planning, or program decisions

M&E Is Not an Enemy

Policymakers, program managers, and

M&E/strategic information specialists can be

partners

Strong decision making and management

rely on high-quality M&E / strategic

information

Data quality is linked to data use

data-based decisions,

which lead to…

better health programs and

better health outcomes

Monitoring and Evaluation allows….

Group Participation

Who analyzes and interprets data in your organization?

We can use information to…

Inform policies and plans

Raise additional resources

Strengthen programs and improve results

Ensure accountability and reporting

Improve quality of services provided

Contribute to global lessons learned

“Making Data Speak” in Thailand Need: Strengthen commitment of policymakers to

HIV prevention Data: Behavioral and epidemiological data Response:

Analyzed data with Asian Epidemic Model and GOALS model Determined responses and resources needed Communicated data to stakeholders

Decision/Action: Successfully emphasized prevention agenda in national strategic

plan and developed an operational plan to guide prevention programming

Using NNRIMS Data to Inform Resource Allocation

Need: Strengthen monitoring of HIV/AIDS service delivery

Data: HIV service delivery indicators Response:

Development of NNRIMS, a routine information system Quarterly reports summarizing data prepared for and

reviewed by LGA managers & decision makers

Decision/Action: Chairman procured 480 HIV test kits, enabling more people

to get tested in Doma

Key Messages

Decisions based on evidence lead to better

health outcomes

We all have a role in M&E – partners in progress

High-quality information is needed for decision

making at policy, planning, and program levels

Purpose of M&E is not just to produce more

information but to inform action