Computerised information management systems in HIV/AIDS care and outcomes research

Increasing HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme coverage requires efficient and robust information management systems capable of sustaining long term HIV care. The current paper based information management systems are inadequate in handling the information demands of this scenario. Computerised information management systems, in the form of electronic medical records (EMRs), offer solutions to satisfy the needs of both primary and secondary information users. The challenge, however, is in the design of an information management system that satisfies the needs of both primary and secondary information users. Primary users require an easy to use interface, rapid response time and clearly represented medical and summary data. Secondary users, on the other hand, need complete, valid data for each patient; and must be able to export data to external systems for analysis. A possible solution to meet both needs is to develop a data warehouse. A data warehouse is optimized for supporting reporting and analysis activity.