288260
Best practices in electronic health records (EHR) implementation in low resource settings utilizing free software
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Ali Juma Karisa, BS,
Center for Health Systems and Solutions, Futures Group Global, Nairobi, Kenya
Background: In low-resource settings with limited funds and staff, free software plays a vital role in adoption of health information systems. Availability of free software overcomes barriers to adoption (licensing and programming costs), enabling health facilities to implement systems where otherwise they would not exist. This presentation discusses the evidence-based best practices gleaned from wide-scale use of International Quality Solutions IQCare, a freely available software system for EHRs. Objective: The goal of any healthcare information system is to improve the volume, flow and quality of information to facilitate program planning and improve patient outcomes. This paper describes the role and features of the freely available IQSolutions system in patient management and monitoring. Methods: Based on federally funded projects, Futures Group developed a system for electronic medical records that evolved over seven years. Initially, IQCare was introduced to health facilities by demonstrating reporting capabilities. Subsequently, a facility-level implementation plan was developed containing recommendations for infrastructure, training, and documentation. The downloadable system was made available through CodePlex. Best practices were identified during its evolution in over 200 facilities working with ministries of health in Africa and other regions. Results: IQCare was implemented in diverse locations in five countries, with over 500 clinicians and data analysts trained. System enhancements were driven by stakeholders and donors. IQCare met data quality and reporting requirements. Features identified as system requirements and best practices included: robust, relevant system features and interface; easily installed and configured; not requiring programmers; scalability; workable for clinicians; field and form-level validation; enhancements ongoing, driven by stakeholders; meets interoperability standards (HL7); underlying database optimized and open; analytic capabilities; comprehensive system documentation. Conclusion: In low-resource healthcare facilities, availability of free software is a minimum requirement for successful adoption of EHR systems. Tested and mature software using identified best practices leads to better adoption.
Learning Areas:
Administration, management, leadership
Communication and informatics
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Program planning
Learning Objectives:
List key features of a free software system that makes adoption viable for low resource settings.
Articulate the process for assessing the readiness of a health facility in a low resource setting for electronic health record system implementation.
Develop a plan to implement a free electronic health record system for a district level hospital in a low resource setting.
Keyword(s): Health Information Systems, Health Management Information Systems
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have over 25 years in health informatics working in international settings and am currently serving as project director for the large scale national rollout of EHR/EMR in Kenya. I have an educational background in computer science and public health, hold certification in data management and global public health and participate in standards organizations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
