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Information support for the ambulant health worker
Ronald C Merrell1, Nathaniel Merriam, Charles Doarn
1Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Surgery, Medical Informatics and Technology Applications Consortium, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0480, USA. Ronald.merrell@vcu.edu
Summary
Providing personal digital assistants (PDA), electronic medical records (EMR), and solar power in remote Kenyan villages proved effective for health workers. This technology significantly improved patient care delivery at a low cost per visit.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Global Health Technology
- Rural Healthcare Systems
Background:
- Health workers require robust information systems for effective patient care.
- Remote areas often lack essential infrastructure like power and telecommunications, hindering access to information.
- Previous models for information support in resource-limited settings have faced challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of an integrated information support system for health workers in remote, off-grid areas.
- To assess the impact of personal digital assistants (PDA) and electronic medical records (EMR) on clinical decision-making in resource-limited settings.
- To determine the cost per patient visit for implementing such a system.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen medical students utilized a comprehensive information support model, including PDAs, EMRs, satellite telecommunications, medical software, and solar power.
- The system was deployed in four remote villages in Kenya lacking electricity and phone access.
- Data on patient evaluations and system usage were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Medical students demonstrated a clear preference for PDAs over traditional paper records.
- The integrated system, particularly the medical software for decision support and EMR for data access, minimized the need for live telemedicine consults.
- The implemented information support system demonstrated a cost-effectiveness of only US $0.28 per patient visit.
Conclusions:
- Information resources, including PDAs and EMRs powered by solar energy, can be successfully implemented in remote, off-grid environments.
- This model provides a cost-effective solution for enhancing healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
- Technological integration can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health workers in resource-limited settings.