Use of family planning information by primary healthcare clinic managers in South Africa

Background: Routine family planning data in South Africa are managed using a routine health information system, which facilitates data collection, storage, processing, presentation and dissemination. Healthcare providers generate data daily as they carry out their duties. The information generated should be used for planning and evaluating health program performance and policy development. Objective: To explore the use of family planning information by primary healthcare (PHC) clinic managers in South Africa. Method: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study was carried out in 11 PHC clinics in Tshwane District. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 clinic managers. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Managers used the information to disseminate performance and feedback, monitor the program’s performance and make decisions to improve the family planning service. However, they experienced challenges that hampered the effective use of the information. Conclusion: The use of family planning information is critical for improving the performance of the program. The clinics need sufficient skilled healthcare providers who are able to provide comprehensive family planning and generate accurate and reliable information that can be used to improve the service. Collaboration between the private and public sectors is critical in monitoring the program’s performance.