Design and content of health facility routine data recording and reporting forms for maternal, newborn, and child health: a scoping review of literature.

Background: High-quality routine health information systems (RHIS) are critical for improving maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), to facilitate clinical decision-making and track service delivery. Despite widespread use of health facility data forms for capturing indicators, there are no evidence-based standardized formats or content guidelines for MNCH. The aim of this scoping review was to identify, synthesize, and explore literature related to health facility data forms regarding data-element content, design, and format. Methods: Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology, we searched 8 databases and grey literature for research related to health facility data forms for MNCH populations. Eligible reports discussed the content (data elements) and/or design (format) of forms. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Results: We included 54 reports from 47 countries, with most published post-2014. Most reports represented high-mortality MNCH settings and 39% were specific for MNCH content. Structured response formats (e.g., checkboxes and radio buttons) were associated with improved efficiency and data completeness. Few studies involved end users in form design, and only 3 used validated tools to evaluate usability or data quality. One-page, workflow-aligned designs were commonly recommended to reduce cognitive workload. Conclusions: Standardization of MNCH health facility data-form content and format are currently lacking. User-centered design principles are underutilized. Improving form usability, aligning data capture with clinical workflow, and involving frontline health workers in form development can enhance data quality and reduce documentation burden. Future research should evaluate how form design influences diagnostic accuracy, data quality, and quality of care.