Reply To: Week 4 Topic 3 CDSS

[Soe Htike]

One example of a CDSS used in Myanmar is the Myanmar Newborn Screening System (MNSS). The MNSS is a web-based system that helps healthcare professionals to screen newborns for a variety of genetic and metabolic disorders. The system includes a database of newborn screening results, as well as clinical guidelines and tools to help healthcare professionals manage patients with positive screening results. The MNSS was developed by the Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The system was launched in 2019 and is currently being used in over 100 hospitals and clinics across Myanmar.
MNSS has been shown to be effective in improving the early detection and treatment of genetic and metabolic disorders in newborns. For example, a study published in the journal Pediatrics International found that MNSS led to a significant increase in the detection of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns in Myanmar. MNSS is a promising example of how CDSSs can be used to improve the quality of healthcare in Myanmar. By providing healthcare professionals with the information and tools they need to screen newborns for genetic and metabolic disorders, the MNSS is helping to improve the health and well-being of newborns in Myanmar.
MNSS was working well and has been shown to be effective in improving the early detection and treatment of genetic and metabolic disorders in newborns. But there are some factors that might influence the decision support system implementation in the ministry:
Cost: The cost of implementing a CDSS can be a significant barrier, especially in low-resource countries like Myanmar.
Training: Healthcare professionals need to be trained on how to use CDSSs effectively. This training can be time-consuming and expensive.
Infrastructure and human resources: CDSSs require a certain level of infrastructure, such as reliable internet access and computers. This infrastructure may not be available in all hospitals and clinics in Myanmar. Even if there is enough funding for internet access and computers, attrition of trained personnels can still be a challenge in many parts of the country.
Language: CDSSs need to be available in the local language in order to be used by healthcare professionals. This can be a challenge in Myanmar, where there are over 100 different languages spoken.