Vol. 1 No. 1 (2000)

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Methodological Evaluation and Time-Series Forecasting for Yield Improvement in Ugandan Community Health Centres: A Systematic Review (2000–2026)

Julius Ocen, Department of Public Health, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Patricia Nansubuga, Department of Surgery, Makerere University, Kampala Moses Kato, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Research Council (MRC)/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18954050
Published: August 24, 2000

Abstract

{ "background": "Community health centres are critical nodes in Uganda's healthcare delivery, yet systematic analysis of methodologies for forecasting and improving their operational yield is lacking. A rigorous evaluation of predictive modelling approaches is required to inform resource allocation and strategic planning.", "purpose and objectives": "This systematic review aims to critically evaluate methodological approaches used in forecasting yield metrics for Ugandan community health centres and to synthesise evidence on the performance of time-series models for predicting service output improvements.", "methodology": "A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature and grey sources was conducted. Eligible studies were those employing quantitative forecasting models for health centre outputs. Methodological quality was appraised using a modified checklist for time-series analysis. Model performance was synthesised, with a focus on the generalised autoregressive integrated moving average (GARIMA) framework, represented as $\\phi(B)(1-B)^d yt = \\theta(B)\\epsilont + \\sum{i=1}^k \\betai x_{it}$, where $B$ is the backshift operator.", "findings": "The review identified a predominant reliance on autoregressive integrated moving average models, which demonstrated moderate forecasting accuracy for patient visit volumes, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 18.7% (95% CI: 15.2, 22.3) across studies. A key thematic finding was the consistent underutilisation of exogenous variables capturing community-level determinants in model specifications, limiting predictive power.", "conclusion": "While time-series forecasting is increasingly applied, methodological rigour is variable. The integration of community-specific covariates into robust model structures is essential for generating actionable forecasts to guide health systems strengthening.", "recommendations": "Future research should prioritise the development and validation of hybrid models that incorporate climatic, demographic, and supply-chain covariates. Capacity building in advanced statistical modelling for health planners is urgently needed to improve forecast utility.", "key words": "health systems, forecasting, time-series analysis, operational research, resource allocation, predictive modelling", "

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Julius Ocen, Patricia Nansubuga, Moses Kato (2000). Methodological Evaluation and Time-Series Forecasting for Yield Improvement in Ugandan Community Health Centres: A Systematic Review (2000–2026). African Food Systems Research (Interdisciplinary - incl Agri/Env), Vol. 1 No. 1 (2000). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18954050

Keywords

Community health centresUgandaTime-series analysisForecasting modelsOperational yieldSub-Saharan AfricaSystematic review

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2000)
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African Food Systems Research (Interdisciplinary - incl Agri/Env)

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