Latest Version of iHRIS Improves Data Security and Quality, Empowers Health Workers
CapacityPlus announces new releases of iHRIS Manage and iHRIS Qualify. The core products of the open source iHRIS suite of software, iHRIS Manage maintains health worker deployment, management, and attrition information while iHRIS Qualify tracks training, certification, and licensure.
iHRIS is specifically designed for use by ministries of health, professional health councils, and other health organizations to understand and strengthen the health workforce.
The 4.1 version is the first major release of the software in two years. The software has had 22 minor releases since 4.0 was released in July 2009. The new release enhances health workforce data security and enables updating of health worker records at the district and facility level, improving data quality. Individual health workers can even update their own records or apply for a new position using a new "self-service" option.
Supporting decentralization
It is common for a country’s Ministry of Health to distribute HR functions, like recruitment or hiring, at the regional or district levels. There was therefore a need to align iHRIS Manage with decentralization policies, and allow HR managers at a district health office, for instance, to update records for health workers in their district. 
Now, iHRIS allows users to be associated with a specific region, district, or even a facility and perform specific tasks related to maintaining and updating health worker records within that locale. For example, a district hospital can now manage the participation of its health workers in national training programs while ensuring good coverage for the staff attending training. Doing this will maximize the value of the training and minimize the negative impact on health services. This information can then be shared and aggregated at the central level to ensure national policies and programs are meeting local needs. This enhancement will help increase data quality and further encourage use of the software for the daily management of health workers.
Supporting individual health workers
Health workers depend on the support of country health leaders for access to the education and resources needed, and health workers have a right to equitable access to opportunities for training, promotion, and other benefits. The new versions of iHRIS Qualify and Manage enable health workers themselves to collaborate in keeping their own information current and track and plan their career development.
iHRIS now has self-service capabilities, allowing health workers to access their own records online and submit necessary changes. For instance, a female health worker can log into her country’s iHRIS system and submit a name change or check her available maternity leave. She can even submit information about a newly attained certification. This gives the health worker participatory ownership over her own record while improving the accuracy of data that could affect her eligibility for benefits or professional opportunities.
Similarly, currently employed health workers interested in a different post, newly certified health workers, and health workers looking to return to the profession can review the list of open positions in iHRIS. If there is one that they are interested in, they can create an account on iHRIS and enter in their details, such as their name, e-mail, phone number, and resume. They can then proceed to add themselves to the applicant pool for any posts they are interested in, simplifying the application and recruitment process.
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