TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE FACILITATION OF DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN DAR ES SALAAM REGION

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE FACILITATION OF DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN DAR ES SALAAM REGION

Posted on: 09 Aug, 2024

Period of Performance: August 2024   to September 30, 2024

Location: Tanzania - Dar Es Salaam

Reports to: Clinical Director & Data Manager

1.    Introduction and Background

PASADA Tanzania is a faith-based organization working in to contribute to Pastoral activities and services for poor and vulnerable populations in Tanzania. Since its establishment in 1992, PASADA has provided services in the areas of Health mainly HIV/AIDS at both facility and community settings, Livelihood, Economic empowerment, and Community development. PASADA continues to offer both spiritual and physical support to all people without any form of discrimination and always aims at restoring dignity and respect to all humankind.

Over the years, PASADA's role expanded to include medical services for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases, along with community-based care. As of now, PASADA is providing care and treatment services in both Dar es Salaam and Coastal regions respectively and for Dar es Salaam, 19 CTCs are established to provide comprehensive HIV services to individuals and their families.

2.    The Objectives of the assignment

The objective is to conduct a comprehensive Data Quality Assessment (DQA) at 19 PASADA care and treatment sites in the Dar es Salaam Region to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and reliability. The DQA will be conducted quarterly to maintain high data quality standards and improve data management practices.

3.    Rationale for Conducting Quarterly Data Quality Assessments (DQA).

Conducting quarterly Data Quality Assessments (DQA) at PASADA Care and Treatment Sites in Dar es Salaam Region is essential for maintaining high standards of data quality, improving program management and ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients and the community. The DQA exercise will focus on the following objectives:

1. Ensuring Data Accuracy and Reliability

• Accurate and reliable data are crucial for effective decision-making and resource allocation. Quarterly DQAs help identify and correct errors in data collection and entry, ensuring that the information used for program management is dependable.

2. Enhancing Program Management

• High-quality data enable better tracking of patient outcomes, service delivery, and program performance. Regular DQAs ensure that the PASADA team has the necessary information to manage and improve care and treatment services effectively.

3. Compliance with Reporting Requirements

• Adhering to national and international reporting standards is essential for PASADA. Quarterly DQAs ensure that data submitted to stakeholders, including government agencies and donors, meet these standards and reflect the true performance of the care and treatment sites.

4. Identifying and Addressing Data Quality Issues

• Routine DQAs help identify common data quality issues, such as incomplete records, data entry errors, and inconsistencies. Addressing these issues promptly prevents them from becoming systemic problems that could compromise the integrity of the entire data management system.

5. Facilitating Continuous Improvement

• Quarterly assessments provide regular opportunities to review and enhance data collection and management processes. This ongoing evaluation and improvement cycle fosters a culture of continuous quality improvement within PASADA’s care and treatment sites.

6. Supporting Evidence-Based Decision Making

• Reliable data are essential for evidence-based decision-making. By ensuring data quality, PASADA can make informed decisions about program strategies, resource allocation, and interventions, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

7. Enhancing Accountability and Transparency

• High-quality data increase accountability and transparency in health service delivery. Regular DQAs demonstrate PASADA’s commitment to maintaining high standards of data integrity and accountability to stakeholders, including patients, funders, and regulatory bodies.

8. Building Capacity and Strengthening Systems

• The DQA process includes training and capacity-building components for site staff. This not only improves their skills in data management but also strengthens the overall health information system, making it more resilient and efficient.

9. Supporting Monitoring and Evaluation Efforts

• Accurate data are fundamental for effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of health programs. Quarterly DQAs ensure that the data used for M&E activities are accurate, facilitating better tracking of program performance and impact.

 10. Promoting Patient Safety and Quality of Care

• High-quality data are critical for monitoring patient safety and the quality of care. By identifying and correcting data quality issues, DQAs help ensure that patients receive the best possible care based on accurate and complete information.

11. Meeting Donor and Partner Expectations

• Many donors and partners require regular data quality assessments as part of their funding agreements. Conducting quarterly DQAs helps PASADA meet these requirements, securing ongoing support and funding for its programs.

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