New Paper: From fragmented to functional: Improving rehabilitation data in Georgia’s health information systems for better decision-making

CIF researchers Nino Kotrikadze, Akaki Zoidze, and George Gotsadze have published a new scientific article in SSM – Health Systems. The article, entitled “From fragmented to functional: Improving rehabilitation data in Georgia’s health information systems for better decision-making”, assess the adequacy of the health information systems (HIS) for rehabilitation in Georgia to support the planning, monitoring, and expansion of rehabilitation service developments in the country.

Integrating rehabilitation data in HIS is essential for effective healthcare planning and decision-making, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Georgia, despite recent progress, integration of rehabilitation services into the Universal Health Care Program HIS still limits effective decision-making. The study used cross-sectional design, combining a documentary review with 24 qualitative interviews conducted with rehabilitation facility representatives and policymakers. Findings revealed that rehabilitation data in Georgia’s HIS are inconsistent and lack standardized definitions and reporting practices.

The study highlights that this gaps  require the development of standardized data collection framework, emphasizing programmatic and functional outcomes, patient-centered measures, and comprehensive use of existing electronic systems. Strengthening HIS thtough coordinated stakeholder efforts and streamlined data reporting will improve rehabilitation services and serve as a model for other LMICs

The research is implemented by the Curatio International Foundation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmhs.2025.100127

Read full paper here.

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