Medical Information Systems: A Foundation for Healthcare Technologies in Developing Countries

Abstract

Among the significant barriers to the provision of health care in developing countries, detailed information concerning disease incidence, health practices and available resources (such as drugs for treatment) are some of the most important. Without detailed information concerning the response to health programs, it is impossible to evaluate the efficacy of a particular program and, hence, effectively allocate funding and resources. Although paper-based systems can provide a partial solution, information transmission is slow and prone to errors. Furthermore, aggregation of data is challenging as patient numbers rise into the hundreds [19], and near impossible with thousands of patients. It is also difficult to impose consistent reporting indicators. The systems described above illustrate the advantages of implementing healthcare technologies within larger collaborations that improve the overall public health infrastructure. One key aspect of the technologies employed in these projects is the use of open standards and open-source development in a collaborative environment. The cases described in this article also demonstrate the need for community data collection, and feasibility of using ICT to enable data collection, and improve information flow in developing countries. Without such approaches, interventions may exacerbate inequalities within countries with weak infrastructure and ingrained social disparities. However, these systems will only work well with carefully designed forms and interfaces, and excellent data management. Furthermore, EMRs can provide a foundational technology that allows for the adoption and evaluation of other health care technologies, such as drug ordering, medical devices, and longitudinal patient follow-ups. Moreover, the projects described above illustrate that the creation of long-term relationships to build infrastructure and solving systemic problems to provide health care can be beneficial to both the patients and the projects involved.

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