Evidence of data or information used to support repositioning FP efforts

Evidence of data or information used to support repositioning FP efforts

Evidence of data or information used to support repositioning FP efforts

Evidence of data or information used to support repositioning family planning (FP) efforts. “Data use” refers to data or information being reviewed to create or revise a program or strategic plan, inform policy dialogue, develop or revise a policy, advocate for a policy or program, create a budget for a policy or program, allocate resources, or used in the process of program monitoring and improvement.  The review of the data could have led to an action or no action if no change was necessary.

FP data or information can include service statistics (e.g., number of condoms distributed, number of couples counseled), analyses of surveys, study findings, information arising from use of tools, modeling outputs, financial information, and information about human resources for health. Dissemination such as printing and distributing reports is not sufficient evidence of achievement for this indicator.

Documentation of evidence of data use should include the specific information used, its source, a description of the decision made using the information, and the outcome (or intended outcome) of the decision.  Use of information for planning refers to using data or information (results from a model, for example) as an integral part of the planning process or as the basis for a planning decision. Use of information in advocacy must show how the information was included in key messages that form part of a planned advocacy campaign or event.

Key informant interviews, documents with data citations highlighted; citation in a policy or plan; project records demonstrating data use, case studies, mission memos; meeting minutes; letter or statement from decision maker about specific instances of information use

This indicator shows a reliance on data, information and accepted best practices for decision-making with regard to FP.  It is an extension of stewardship and evidence-based decision making when leaders seek to use established information as an objective basis for their decisions.

Documentation for this result is often difficult to obtain especially when there is no published report to show how or what information was used (e.g., information used in policy dialogue). Key informant interviews may be necessary to link data to decisions.  Note that in some instances incorrect data or misinformation may be used as the basis for policy dialogue, planning, resource allocation, and/or advocacy, in which case the example may be counted, but not actually fulfill what this indicator intends to track.


policy, management, family planning

Health Policy Initiative Project Management Plan (2007).  Unpublished project document.

Related content
Policy Environment
Family Planning (Core)
Program Management in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services