Bar Code Data Capture

[BID Initiative Discussions]

One of the key data challenges reported with immunizations is unique identification of the child. Tanzania uses bar codes to uniquely identify the child while Zambia uses Quick Response (QR) codes.  In each country, the bar code sticker or QR code sticker is affixed onto the child health card then scanned and associated to the child's record in the electronic immunization registry. However, both countries have experienced challenges with logistics and getting these stickers to the health facilities.

 

Does anyone have experiences they can share in the types of tools used to uniquely identify clients e.g. bar-code, QR code, bio-metric data?  If stickers were used, what is the process for distribution to health facilities? For instance, were they printed at district level then distributed to the health facilities?

Catherine Muyawala

BLN Learning Network Coordinator

[kirstin...@jsi.com]

JSI's Home-based Records Project (funded by the Gates Foundation) has been exploring challenges and best practices around HBRs (vaccination cards, child health books, etc.).  We have looked at how HBRs fit into the package of immunization tools used by health facilities (see data triangulation briefer) and agree that a link between a child's HBR and the facility-based register is key. Unique identification that can be traced via both tools (in a way that can be easily and cost-effectively sustained by the country) is needed to ensure that both tools are kept up-to-date. At the least, the mechanism for unique identification needs to be agreed upon - e.g. does a numbering system for each child in the register also correspond with a numbering system that can be entered onto each child's HBR (either electronically or manually)? If the unique identification system requires separate stickers or specially printed cards that include bar codes, it's not surprising that challenges with stock management would be seen, similar to what has been documented for HBRs overall. 

Two of the largest obstacles facing HBRs are ensuring that they are adequately funded every year and stocked in facilities. We've learned that many countries do not include HBRs and other paper tools in their stock ledgers and reorder forms so there is not a clear process in place to monitor stock levels and request tools (including HBRs) when stocks run low and before stock-outs. We've put together a short briefer to outline common challenges with HBR stock management which would also be applicable to other tools such as unique identifier stickers. 

Both the Data Triangulation and Stock Management briefers are available in English, French, and Portuguese on our website: http://www.jsi.com/homebasedrecordsproject

Thanks,

Kirstin Krudwig

JSI