ART-EMR

ART-EMR is an energy efficient, touch screen input system that was implemented in Malawi in 2006.

Introduction

Electronic Medical Records have been used in Malawi since 2001. Other previous systems, such as one in Lilongwe, also had touch screen inputs. However, it had shortcomings that prompted the government of Malawi to create a task force to establish a new system that would be 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 second version 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