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1. Should you give the data out?
No, I will not give the data out without free and informed consent of the concerned individuals.2. How do you not violate any of the General Principles of Informatics Ethics?
I will ensure that the study follows the ethical guidelines on research, in particular the Declaration of Helsinki. Local policies and government regulations should also be followed.3. If you want to provide the data to them , what and how will you do it?
First, a data management and sharing plan should be developed before any data collection. The WHO policy and implementation guidance for sharing and reuse of health-related data for research purposes can be used as a guide in developing the plan. Since the researchers need data at the individual level, anonymization or de-identification should be done to protect the identity of the individuals. Free and informed consent of the concerned individuals should also be obtained. -
As a health information professional, I should uphold the principles of informatics ethics. I will not tell my friend or any other people because doing so is a violation of the Principle of Information Privacy and Disposition and it is against the law. As stated in the AMIA’s code of professional and ethical conduct of 2018, inappropriate disclosure of information can cause harm. My duty is to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the patient’s data.
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I will use the same system that I shared in the previous topic discussion (eOPT+ tool 2023 version).
Due to the negative feedbacks from end users, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) did the following to avoid system failure when introducing major updates to the system in 2025:Awareness
The need to use the new tool was discussed to the nutrition action officers, with emphasis on the accuracy of the tool in determining the nutritional status of children using age in days instead of age in months.Desire
The new useful features of the tool was discussed. For example, the new tool will be able to generate graphs showing the prevalence of malnutrition in the community. It will also provide them with a more accurate picture of the current nutritional status of preschool age children in the community.Knowledge
Unlike in 2023 wherein the orientation about the tool was done in March, the orientation for the 2025 version was done during the first week of January, before the start of the conduct of the Operation Timbang Plus.Ability
To check if the nutrition officers were able to use the tool correctly, NNC asked the nutrition action officers to try using the tool using data from 2024 as an exercise. Results were then sent via email.Reinforcement
District Nutrition Program Coordinators (DNPCs) were tasked to assist the nutrition action officers in using the new tool. They also offered additional training for those who were not able to attend the orientation, such as the volunteer nutrition workers. -
One example of a failed system in our organization is the 2023 version of the Electronic Operation Timbang Plus (eOPT Plus) tool. During the first quarter of every year, a program known as Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+) is done throughout the Philippines. In the OPT+ program, weight and height of all children 0-59 months old are measured in order to identify and locate the malnourished children, generate data for use in future nutrition action plans and measure the effectiveness of local nutrition programs. The eOPT tool is a nutritional status calculator that is used to record, consolidate, and summarize the results of OPT+. A new version of the eOPT tool is released every year, with minor updates, usually in the number of target population.
In 2023, the National Nutrition Council released a version of the eOPT tool with major updates. This new version requires data about the presence of bilateral pitting edema and disability of the child to be entered in the system. Previous versions of the eOPT tool determines the nutritional status of the child based on his/her age in months, while the 2023 version uses age in days which is more accurate. The new version of the tool was also able to generate graphs showing the prevalence of malnutrition in the community and completeness, accuracy and reliability scores for data quality check.
Although the eOPT tool 2023 version has a lot of useful features, the main reason it failed is because of the Operation and People Factor. The tool was rolled out to the end users too late and we are not informed beforehand about the upcoming major changes in the system. For example, in our region (Region IV-A CALABARZON), an orientation about the tool was done on March 6, 2023, during our general assembly. The period for the conduct of OPT+ is every January to March, so by the time we are informed about the new version of the tool, many were already done with data gathering and some areas were already finished with their OPT+ report. Since this new tool requires data about the presence of bilateral pitting edema and disability of the child, nutrition workers (many of whom were volunteers), have to go back to each child again, one by one, in order to complete the data required. The eOPT tool 2023 was met with a lot of negative feedbacks, especially those who have thousands of children and have already finished data gathering. Because of this, the use of the tool was postponed, and an eOPT tool similar to past versions was used instead.
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Our municipal health officer uses the PHQ-9 tool of MDCalc (available online at https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/1725/phq9-patient-health-questionnaire9) to assess the severity of depression symptoms of patients. According to him, the tool is working well because it is easy to use, accessible, provides clear interpretation of PHQ-9 scores, and provides helpful advice/recommendations. Critical actions to take are also highlighted. For example, the tool recommends a suicide risk assessment in patients who respond positively to item 9 of the questionnaire.
Aside from what I mentioned above, another factor that might influence the decision support system implementation in our organization is cost reduction. With the use of CDSS, unnecessary tests may be avoided and cheaper medication or treatment options can be suggested to patients.
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Aside from providing a common/standardized language for recording, reporting, and monitoring diseases, ICD is also used to analyze statistical data on diseases. If hospitals in the country do not use the ICD standard, it will be harder to track the incidence and prevalence of diseases, monitor trends, and identify the onset of an epidemic or pandemic.
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According to the article, one of the causes of physician burnout and stress is the poor design and difficult use of EHR, and EHRs with high number of functions will likely lead to high stress of physicians. I think these findings support the observations on healthcare IT of Dr. John Halamka (as presented by Dr. Boonchai Kijsanayotin in his lecture), a top-down approach never works. The target end-users of the EHR must be involved in the development of the EHR, including the planning and design stage in order to avoid this problem.
According to our municipal health officer, one of the major difficulties he encountered in using the EMR is that it is time-consuming. The EMR requires many patient details to be entered in the system, especially for patients who are availing our facilities’ service for the first time. To lessen the burden on our healthcare workers during consultation, we decided to assign a different staff who will be in charge of interviewing and entering patient details of the EMR.
Another problem we had with the EMR is that it requires an internet connection. We are currently working in a temporary office because our Rural Health Unit was demolished to make way for the construction of a bigger health facility. During our first few months in the office, we had difficulty using the EMR because of poor signal in the area. Fortunately, free internet was installed soon after as part of the Free Wi-Fi for All program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
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Thank you for sharing, that is a very interesting application. By using the app, I think people will become more aware and informed about the various health services they can avail for free. Since the app offers access to various preventive care services, it might also help in reducing health care costs in the long term through early detection and lowering risk of serious diseases.
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An example of big data is data from smartwatches. The characteristics of this data that fit into 5Vs are the following:
Velocity – Smartwatches can generate and transmit data in real time.
Volume – There are millions of smartwatch users in the world, generating a very large amount of data every day.
Value – Smartwatch can generate valuable health data which can be used in monitoring and predicting health outcomes of a patient.
Variety – Different types of data can be obtained from smartwatches. By using sensors, smartwatches can collect data such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, fitness, level, and sleep quality. The location of the wearer can also be determined using GPS.
Veracity – According to studies, accuracy of ECG measurement by smartwatches ranges from 65% to 99% while the accuracy of saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) measurements ranges between 90% and 96%. Cardiac arrhythmias can also be predicted with an average accuracy of 97%.Reference:
Köhler, C., Bartschke, A., Fürstenau, D., Schaaf, T., & Salgado-Baez, E. (2024). The Value of Smartwatches in the Health Care Sector for Monitoring, Nudging, and Predicting: Viewpoint on 25 Years of Research. Journal of medical Internet research, 26, e58936. https://doi.org/10.2196/58936 -
Brief Introduction
I currently work at the local health office in our municipality, and one of the health informatics project that our organization uses is the Wireless Access for Health (WAH) electronic medical record system. We use WAH for patient records management, health program tracking, generating reports required by the Department of Health, and automatic generation of PhilHealth claims. PhilHealth is a government-owned and controlled corporation that administers the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippines. As an accredited healthcare provider, our organization receive payment/reimbursement from PhilHealth for services rendered to patients.How can this health informatics project help to improve the current practices?
Before using WAH, our health office used eKonsulta (Electronic Konsulta), a system developed by PhilHealth to record patient data. Compared to eKonsulta, WAH is more user-friendly and has more features such as comprehensive health program tracking of various health programs such as Maternal and Childcare, Family Planning, and Tuberculosis. This allows for easier data input and report generation. In addition, since WAH allows us to generate reports faster, we can submit claims to PhilHealth and receive reimbursement faster than when we are using eKonsulta. Payments from PhilHealth are used by our organization for operational expenses, facility improvements, medicines, and to pay for the salary of some of our staff.Challenges or difficulties in implementing the project
We started using WAH as our EMR early this year, and one of the challenges is the cost of using the system (our previous system, eKonsulta is free). Fortunately, we receive reimbursement from PhilHealth to cover the cost. Compared to eKonsulta, WAH requires more patient information to be entered into the system, thereby increasing time spent interviewing the patient. Some patients do not appreciate the additional time they spent being interviewed and want to be seen by the doctor right away. -
In addition to preventive measures mentioned above, another measure to prevent attacks is by implementing web content filtering. By using web content filters, users were prevented from accessing websites that can infect systems with malware or expose users to phishing attacks. Social media, streaming, and online shopping sites may also be restricted to reduce distraction and improve productivity during office hours.
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Since the healthcare breach was from an attack to third-party vendor (Advanced Computer Software Group), this can be prevented by doing a third-party risk management (TPRM) in order to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with outsourcing tasks to third-party vendors or service providers.
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Another preventive measure to avoid the ransomware attack is by regularly patching and updating the software and operating system used by the organization to the latest available versions. This will reduce the known vulnerabilities in the system and prevent attackers from exploiting the unpatched or outdated software and operating system. In addition, a backup plan should also be implemented so the data and system can be restored in events such as ransomware attack. Critical data must also be encrypted and maintained offline (without connection to the Internet or local networks) to prevent attack from threats connected to the network.
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Facebook is the most popular social media platform in the Philippines, with an estimated 90 million users in 2025. However, a lot of users lack awareness on data privacy and security. Attackers can use their ignorance to stealing information.
For example, I have seen many “content creators” or “social media influencers” do raffle on their Facebook account/page. They would post something like “Comment your GCash number below, I will choose one who will win 5,000 pesos”, and people would willingly comment their GCash account number (a popular mobile wallet app). I have seen many Facebook posts like this, with hundreds of people posting their account number (and sometimes even other personal details) for everyone to see.
In addition, a person’s GCash account number is usually the same as his/her phone number. This makes them vulnerable to attacks such as identity theft and phishing. For example, Facebook allows login using phone number, so if you posted your phone number online, an attacker may use it to gain access of your Facebook account.
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Since I would like to develop a web-based application for patient appointments but there is only one IT officer working in the hospital, I would propose to the executive board the use of a cloud server for the project, particularly the PaaS service model for the following reasons:
1. In the PaaS cloud service model, the user has control over the deployment and configuration settings for the application. I can build, deploy, and manage a web-based application for patient appointments based on the hospital’s needs, without worrying about the management and control of the underlying cloud infrastructure (network, servers, operating system, and storage).
2. Compared to managing an application that runs on a physical server, using the cloud server for the application will lessen the burden for the IT officer (who is already in charge of fixing computers), since the cloud service provider will be one responsible for managing and controlling the underlying cloud infrastructure.
3. Resources on the cloud can be used anytime, anywhere, as long as there is an internet connection. The IT officer can monitor the status of the application even when he/she is away from work.
4. Using a cloud service can provide a better processing power and larger storage capacity for the application, without the high upfront cost of operating a physical server in the hospital.
5. A cloud server is easily scalable and services can be expanded. In the future, if the hospital wants to include more features to the web-based application, it can be easily done.
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According to WHO, the Philippines has one of the highest tuberculosis incidence rates in Southeast Asia and the fourth largest TB burden in the world. One of the ways the Department of Health use health informatics to strengthen outbreak detection, response, and control of tuberculosis is through the Integrated Tuberculosis Information System (ITIS).
ITIS is a web-based application (accessed through itis.doh.gov.ph) wherein in all health facilities in the Philippines (both public and private) are required to record all TB patients registered in their facility for treatment. Some of the features of ITIS include:
ITIS Lite – a lighter version of the platform used by private physicians to report patient data;
CareTB – aids in patient screening and contact tracing and provides a patient interface for reporting and accessing data, and
RaceTB – a TB dashboard for different stakeholders to access and review indicators at multiple levels.
Aside from patient records, inventory of TB drugs in the health facility are also recorded in the ITIS app. Health facilities can monitor how much TB drugs is in their stock on hand, its expiration date, and source (either donation, from DOH, or purchased by the local government unit).ITIS is a very useful tool in strengthening outbreak detection, response, and control of tuberculosis. A health facility with staff that has a comprehensive knowledge and skills on the use of ITIS will have a good database containing important information on TB cases in their area. Private health facilities can share their records to public health facilities online, and stakeholders can easily access and review data. Monitoring of TB patients and status TB drugs will also be easier.
Reference:
Philippines. (n.d.). Stop TB Partnership. Retrieved September 7, 2025, from https://tbassessment.stoptb.org/Philippiness.html -
I have been working in the public health field for around 8 years, first as a public health associate then as a public health nutritionist. The skills that I must improve on to become a professional in public health are the following:
Vision and System Planning
As a public health nutritionist, my focus at work is more on nutrition and dietetics. I need to have a more broad knowledge of public health practice in general.Health Data Standards and Integration
I recently completed a diploma in Computer Science and have taken a courses on Information Technology and Healthcare IT offered by IBM and Google on Coursera, so I have knowledge and skills on computer science, including database design management. However, I do not consider myself an expert, so I have to work hard in order to be an expert on health data standards and integration.Data Privacy and Security
I have basic knowledge on information technology security functions and health data privacy. I need to improve my knowledge on the subject and learn more about data privacy and security guidelines in a global setting.Systems Design and Implementation
I need to enhance my skills in managing information technology systems development and increase my knowledge on health systems and data interoperabilityVisualization, Analysis, and Reporting of Health Data
I need to learn how to use an analytic software for health data. I also need to work on my business intelligence and decision-making skills. -
Given the clinical and business benefits of cloud computing, yes I will consider moving the hospital’s information system to cloud computing if I am a director or an executive of the hospital; that is if the hospital can afford its cost. The total cost from the different financial areas – architecture, total cost of acquisition, total cost of data ownership, total cost of ownership (hard and soft), and operational transition cost (labor and management) must be considered. I will also talk and consult with stakeholders of the hospital and experts from the IT field regarding their suggestions, opinions, doubts about using the cloud, etc. In this way, we can work together and have a smooth and successful transition to cloud computing.
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My office computer and flash drive were attacked by a shortcut virus last year after inserting my flash drive to my officemate’s computer. I was not aware that her computer has been infected with the shortcut virus and because of this, the files stored in my flash drive were hidden and I was not able to access any of them. Fortunately, my own office computer’s antivirus is up to date and working, and it was able to detect the antivirus and remove it.
After I removed the shortcut virus and recovered my files stored in the flash drive, I informed my officemate that her computer has been infected with the shortcut virus. After asking for her permission, I updated her computer’s antivirus software and double-checked if the firewall is turned on. I also turned on the automatic updates of the antivirus software. After that, I performed a full scan to check if there are any remaining threats in her computer.
Due to this incident, I became more cautious whenever I insert my flash drive to other computers. I avoid using it in public computers and other devices that are not secured. I also check my computer’s antivirus and run scans regularly.
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A recent event that made the headlines here in the Philippines is the public shaming (via a Facebook post) done by a popular TV host to a physician, over his professional fee for treating a patient who had an infected leg wound. The said TV host since been called out by many healthcare workers and medical associations, who called his Facebook post “unjust and uncalled for.”
If I were to build a medical app for patients and doctors, it would be an app where patients can keep track of all the incurred expenses during their hospitalization, and other future expenses. A breakdown and explanation of all the expenses will be available, including the prices of medicine, the fees for the different services given, what services is covered by their insurance, estimated cost of future treatments, etc. This will be updated real-time, and if the patient or their guardian has any question about their expenses, they can send it via the app. This app may not have big or direct impact to the improvement patient’s medical outcomes, but it will help them become more informed and educated about their hospital expenses. Since patients can directly ask questions about their expenses through the app, the use of social media and other platforms to spread uninformed opinion might be reduced.
The type of my app will be a mobile web application, because unlike native app, it can work across multiple platforms, more secured, and can be integrated with existing systems and databases.
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Hello everyone. I am Jenny Bituin from the Philippines. You can call me Jenny or Jen. My background is in Nutrition and Dietetics, and a little bit of background in Computer Science. Since 2018, I have been working as a nutrition officer here in my hometown in the Philippines. As a nutrition officer, I handle nutrition programs, provide nutrition and other related services, and supervise our volunteer nutrition workers. In the BHI online program, I expect to learn more about the health information system and data management in healthcare.
I look forward to learning with you all!
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I currently work as a Nutrition Officer at the local (municipal) health office, also called the Rural Health Unit here in my hometown in the Philippines. Here are the problems in our office’s health information system that I observed and as interviewed from people using/managing our system.
HARDWARE
There is a lack of computers and printers solely dedicated to the health information system (particularly those for our Electronic Medical Record software). Because of this, some staff uses their own personal phone to access medical records and they have to share with the printer used by our office’s administrative staff. Fortunately, our supervisor (health officer) had place orders for new computers and printers.SOFTWARE
At the present, our local health office uses Wireless Access for Health (WAH) as our EMR provider. We started using them as a provider just this year (2025), and as of today we had not yet experienced any major problems using the system. Before using WAH, we are using the eKonsulta (Electronic Konsulta) system of PhilHealth, our country’s National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). Although WAH is easier to use than eKonsulta, it is expensive, compared to eKonsulta which is free. Fortunately, we receive revenues from PhilHealth reimbursements, which can be used to pay for the cost of using the software.DATA
I think this is one of the biggest problems in our health information system, along with process. Our health data needs more organization and since we are using a new EMR software this year, health data from previous years are not yet in the current system. This may be solved by hiring and training additional staff to help in the backlog of data.PROCESS
Our office has yet to establish a detailed process in the usage and management of our EMR software. New users sometimes get confused on what to do next, since there are no detailed guidelines/instructions. A written guideline on the usage of our EMR software will be very helpful for a better process.PEOPLE
Our office has hired more people last month in order to help in the management of our health information system. They have background on information systems and information technology, but most of them still have to undergo training on health information system. In addition, most of the people involved in managing our EMR software are job order personnel, meaning they are not permanent employees. Creating permanent positions for people working with our health information system and filling these positions with qualified personnel is very important for our continuous and high quality provision of health services. -
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I can relate with you. Working with volunteers of older age and has low digital literacy was one of the first challenges I faced while working in public health nutrition. I remember explaining to our volunteers what “sending a file” means. Fortunately, I was able to overcome that challenge after a while.
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That was a scary experience, considering that the scammer/s know personal details about you, such as your research paper. You might like to check out haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email address has been compromised in a data breach. The ICT support team from my previous university recommends this website to check whether our accounts are in the database of compromised email and passwords. It is a free and reliable website, and you can also set an alert so you can be notified of any data breach involving your email in the future.
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Since the target of the app are those with chronic or lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, I think a good feature to add will be one that would allow patients to record their daily food intake. In this way, doctors will be able to check the diet of their patients and can make recommendations based on the patients’ food intake data in the app.
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