ART-EMR

An energy efficient, touch screen input system implemented in Malawi in 2006

Introduction

EMR has been in use in Malawi since 2001. Certain systems such as one in Lilongwe had touch screen inputs too. But there were other shortcomings that the govt of Malawi created a task force to establish a new system. It was deployed in six ART centers.

Design

Based on the experience with EMR in Kenya, the system was designed with following features:

• Touchscreen input to tackle poor computer literacy
• Direct 48V DC power supply from batteries due to erratic power supply
• Unique Patient ID with barcode scanner.
• Patient summary for the visits printed into labels which are affixed to patient health passports or records.

Implementation

It was initially deployed at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre and later at six ART centers. The version 2 of the system is being implemented in two other district hospitals.

References

• Using Touchscreen Electronic Medical Record Systems to Support and Monitor National Scale-Up of Antiretroviral Therapy in Malawi Gerald P. Douglas, Oliver J. Gadabu, Sabine Joukes, Soyapi Mumba, Michael V. McKay, Anne Ben-Smith, Andreas Jahn, Erik J. Schouten, Zach Landis Lewis, Joep J. van Oosterhout, Theresa J. Allain, Rony Zachariah, Selma D. Berger, Anthony D. Harries, Frank Chimbwandira; PLoS Med. 2010 August; 7(8):
• Implementing electronic medical record systems in developing countries Hamish SF Fraser, Paul Biondich, Deshen Moodley, Sharon Choi, Burk e W Mamlin, Peter Szolovits; Informatics in Primary Care 2005;13:83–95