In last month's Technology Salon, we looked at Health Information Systems that improved reporting systems for governments. But what about improving patient care? Giving clinicians support and feedback at the point of care can bring about immediate changes in diagnosis and treatment, and start the reporting process with high-quality data.
Baobab Health Partnership is using innovations like touchscreen clinical workstations and unique power systems to guide low-skilled healthcare workers through the diagnosis and treatment of patients according to national protocols. They've even developed a HIV eVCT System - a locally designed and implemented solution to advance medical care in real time for Malawians in resource-poor settings.
Here is a video of their electronic records system in action registering new patients:
We'll have Mike McKay, former country director, lead us through their technology choices and into a larger discussion around improving feedback loops inside the clinic, not just above it. We'll also have a hardware show and tell to get acquainted with the technology.
Improving Patient Care with ICT: A Malawian Example
July Technology Salon
Thursday, July 23 8:30-10am
UN Foundation Conference Room
1800 Mass Avenue, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036 (map)
Do note that we'll have hot coffee and Krispe Kreme donuts to wake you up, but seating is limited and the UN Foundation is in a secure building. So the first fifteen (15) to RSVP will be confirmed attendance and then there will be a waitlist.
The Zambian Electronic Perinatal System (ZEPRS) in Lusaka is also worth examining. We helped to design and implement this system.
In use since the beginning of 2006, the system is used by 24 inter-connected clinics, one hospital, and several management offices. With more than 270,000 patient records and three million encounters, the system has been a significant demonstration of the use of EMRs to improve patient care in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Perry Killam, who is in the process of assuming his new post at the CDC in Cambodia, can speak with authority on the measured impact of the system on improving health care and health outcomes.
ZEPRS is one of the most largest and most mature electronic-first EMRs in the region, and is unique in its ability to guide and alert clinicians and refer patients electronically. The system was designed from the outset to improve the quality of care and provide information essential for effective supportive supervision of clinicians.
The Zambian Electronic Perinatal System (ZEPRS) is one of the most complete and mature networked EMRs in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is unique in focusing on perinatal care an begin designed from the beginning to guide and alert clinicians and provide essential information for effective supportive supervision.
See Wikipedia for an overview.