Reply To: Topic 2: Digital transformation

[Hteik Htar Tin]

Good points of using EMR
1. Real time data reporting:
Data mining and data analysis are faster compared to paper-based records and reduced typing errors due to data validation methods. Decision maker can be reported about the real time situation at clinics such as outbreak or surveillance of diseases without waiting several steps to be confirmed by field level.
2. Duplication of booklets and codes
The code system is used for each patient, but they don’t remember their codes and left the booklets at the home when they visit clinic. So, duplications of patient codes is always happened. When applying EMR in our health system, this challenge is decreased because data registry can easily find the patient’s identity by their unique national registration number and their medical record can directly be sent to clinicians’ computer.
3. Training for staff
Due to new system, the staff got capacity building trainings and technical support for their routine tasks.
sites in the system.
4. Data security and privacy
It is better and safe compared to paper-based records which stored in the locker, can damaged by intentional or unintentional accidents. When using EMR, we build physical security to computers and grating authorized access to data staff only to keep the data safety and security.
Bad points of using EMR
1. Time consuming in data entry.
Data entry to EMR took time due to user friendliness and database system. Some used paper as initial step and change to EMR, it cause workload burden on the staff.
2. Training and technical support
As EMR required basic computer skill and knowledge, all staff need training and management team prepared both technical (database management, regular maintenance) and financial (training cost, power supplies, infrastructures, internet availability) support for this. So, not all clinics cannot run EMR simultaneously, we started with trial ones. Missing data is one of the most challenge in data entry and data visualization is not available for some conditions in our system.
3. Workload and human resource
Due to donor requirement and other policies, we cannot totally use EMR in our system. Primary data source documents are still maintaining in some area, so the staff feel much workload to use both systems. Some staff have language barrier to use EMR and reluctant to do it. Inadequate human resource to run the EMR is still challenging to expand EMR at other sites in the system.