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Brief Introduction about Health Informatics Project
_I have observed a health informatics project in our organization, where we implemented a Community-Based Health App (CBHA) in our project area. In this project, we provided mobile phone to each volunteer allowing them to collect health data directly through the application.The primary objective of this health informatics project is to improve decision-making in diagnosis and treatment by providing them the symptom-based algorithm and to reduce the burden of the paper works. This application also allows the volunteers to help the tracking of medical commodities so that the monthly manual stock checking is no longer needed.How The Project Help to Improve Current Practices
_The app has significantly reduced the paper-based records, which were previously used by volunteers to track various diseases and projects. This digital transition has simplified the data collection process and significantly reduced the human errors in disease management. Furthermore, it also reduced the burden of manual stock management.Challenges or Difficulties
_However, there are a few challenges in implementing the project. One of the main difficulties is the lack of digital literacy among some volunteers, particularly those of older age which makes it harder for them to fully utilize the app. Another challenge is the limited internet connectivity in some areas, which hinders real-time data transmission. To overcome this, the volunteers need to visit the nearest accessible points or the mobile teams visit these locations to collect data via Bluetooth or other offline methods, uploading it when they have access to better internet. -
Dear Jenny,
Thanks for sharing an interesting story. This data breach highlights the critical importance of proper data security configuration and oversight, especially when handling sensitive personal and professional information. In addition, I think organizations should implement automated tools for vulnerability scanning, enforce role-based access management and conduct regular cybersecurity training for staff to minimize human error and strengthen overall data protection practices. -
Dear Ma Yin,
Thank you for sharing such an interesting cyber attack. I think organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the spread of malware, conduct regular third-party security audits, and deploy advanced threat detection tools like AI-based monitoring to detect suspicious activity before it escalates into a full-blown breach. -
Dear Nang,
This is a strong overview highlighting key lessons from the Blue Shield Data Breach, especially around misconfiguration and third-party risks. In addition to the suggested prevention measures, I would like to suggest to implement a data loss prevention (DLP) system to automatically detect and block unauthorized sharing of sensitive information, especially when integrated with third-party tools. -
An attacker can use the following to conduct the security attack:
1. Using malware (viruses, ransomware, and spyware), an attacker can harm the system or steal the information.
2. Using social engineering, an attacker can manipulate people to gain access to systems or data. A common method is phishing, where fake emails or websites trick users into giving away passwords or personal details.
3. By targeting network communication like Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack, the attacker intercepts data between two parties.
4. Attackers can also take advantage of bugs in software using SQL injection.
5. Attackers can also conduct DDoS attack to overload the servers making them slow or unavailable. This disrupts services and can cause financial damage. -
1. Why Choose a Cloud Server instead of a Physical Server?
Using a cloud server is more practical and cost-effective than investing in a physical server, especially considering our current limitations. Our hospital lacks a dedicated server and has only one IT officer who is mainly responsible for basic computer maintenance. Setting up a physical server would require significant investment, ongoing maintenance and specialized IT expertise that we currently do not have. In contrast, a cloud server can be deployed quickly with minimal initial cost, offers high reliability and availability, and includes built-in data backups and security managed by the provider. Cloud solutions are also highly scalable, allowing us to easily expand system resources as the hospital grows or as patient demand increases. This approach minimizes downtime, ensures secure access and reduces the technical burden on our small IT team.2. Recommended Cloud Computing Service Model:
For this project, the most appropriate cloud computing model is Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS allows us to use ready-to-deploy web-based software hosted and maintained by a third-party provider, eliminating the need for us to build, host or manage the application infrastructure ourselves. This model is suitable for our limited IT resources and the urgent need to get the appointment system running smoothly and quickly. A SaaS solution would include patient scheduling, data entry forms and even reporting tools that all accessible via a web browser with no need for installation or complex setup. It also ensures automatic updates, security compliance and technical support, helping our team stay focused on healthcare delivery rather than software maintenance. Overall, SaaS offers a fast, efficient, and reliable way to introduce digital appointment booking to our hospital with minimal operational complexity. -
Due to increased population movement across borders and weakening of routine health services in conflict-affected areas, malaria continues to be a major public health concern in Myanmar. At the same time, information technology has rapidly developed and become vital in outbreak management, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas where health systems are fragile.
The systematic application of information technology in health has been increasingly used by health organizations in Myanmar to improve data collection, disease surveillance, early outbreak detection and timely response. In areas where routine services are disrupted, such as in parts of Kayin or Sagaing, malaria transmission often increases due to lack of preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets, health education and early diagnosis.
To address this, our organization and other partners are adopting mobile-based and digital systems to strengthen malaria surveillance and response. For example, the Community-Based Health Application, mobile application, is being used by field volunteers and community health workers to report malaria test results and case details in real time even from areas with poor internet connectivity. Once the phone connects to a network, data is sent to the central database. This allows the regional mobile medical teams to analyze trends and spot outbreaks much faster than before.
We recently received an alert from a mobile report in eastern Myanmar where a high number of Plasmodium falciparum cases were detected within one week. The mobile medical team immediately conducts the investigation. Through coordination between HIS, mobile medical teams and community health workers, we distributed bed nets and conducted the active case detection (ACD) together with health education within a few days. Within two weeks, no new cases were reported from that village. Without real-time data and digital systems, such a response would have taken much longer.
We also emphasize training and capacity building in digital reporting tools among our staff and community volunteers. Many of them now understand the value of real-time data and actively use these tools in their daily work. As a result, data quality has improved, errors have decreased, and the response time to outbreaks is much faster.
Although our current system is still developing, we see that applying health informatics in malaria outbreak response has already shown clear benefits. If we can further develop this with enterprise architecture and national-level integration, we will have a strong foundation for eliminating malaria in Myanmar. -
Based on my background with clinical experience and public health, I recognize the need to strengthen my skills in the key areas:
1. Data Science and Analytics
I need to learn how to effectively collect, manage and analyze health data. This includes big data analysis using python or other programming to find key trends and insights that can support evidence-based decision-making.
2. Public Health Knowledge
While I have experience in public health, I need to deepen my knowledge of specific areas like epidemiology, disease surveillance and health policy that is strongly linked with my career.
3. Computer Science
As a medical professional, my technical skills in IT are limited. I have limitations in areas like database management, statistical analysis and programming languages that are commonly used in health informatics. -
If I am a director of the hospital, I will surely plan to move the hospital’s information system to cloud computing. The main reasons include:
1. The cloud computing provides the data security and backup options, even though there are the privacy concerns, which is very important for protecting patient records and hospital data.
2. It allows for easier access to information for authorized personnel, even from remote locations, which can help improve patient care and coordination.
3. Using cloud systems can reduce the cost of maintaining physical servers and IT infrastructure, which is especially beneficial in the long term. Furthermore, it can reduce the cost of paper-based documentation and save the environment.
4. The cloud solutions are more scalable, allowing us to expand the system as the hospital grows.
Considering the global trend and the need for modernization in Myanmar’s healthcare sector, moving to cloud computing is a strategic decision for both efficiency and future readiness. -
I had a really unfortunate experience with a cyber attack that taught me a valuable lesson. One day, I received an email from a co-worker containing a link. I did not realize that his computer had been infected and when I clicked the link on my phone, I unknowingly triggered malware. As soon as I did, all my contacts were wiped from my phone, and a message appeared demanding money in exchange for restoring them. At the time, I had all my contacts stored on my phone, so losing them was a big blow. Despite efforts from our IT team, they were unable to recover the contacts. As a result, I had to manually re-enter every single contact. This experience was a wake-up call and since then, our team has undergone training to better recognize cyber threats and to improve our overall security measures.
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Based on my experience in non-profit sector, the healthcare supply chain system in Myanmar still faces significant challenges. Essential medicines and medical supplies often run short in remote station hospitals and rural health centers due to poor inventory management and delayed restocking. This results in treatment delays and negatively impacts patient outcomes.
1. Hardware:
Many healthcare facilities lack computerized inventory systems and rely on manual stock tracking.
Improvement: To equip facilities with affordable computers or tablets and reliable power sources to enable digital inventory management.
2. Software:
There is no centralized software to track medicine stocks, expiry dates, and order schedules.
Improvement: To develop or adopt simple, user-friendly inventory management software customized for Myanmar’s healthcare context.
3. Data:
Stock data is often inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, leading to overstocking or shortages.
Improvement: To implement real-time data entry and monitoring systems to maintain accurate stock records.
4. Process:
Ordering and distribution processes are manual and slow, causing delays in replenishment.
Improvement: To automate procurement workflows and establish timely communication channels between facilities and suppliers.
5. People:
Healthcare workers and supply managers may lack training in digital tools and inventory best practices.
Improvement: To provide targeted training programs and continuous support to build capacity in supply chain management. -
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Hi Siriluk Dungdawadueng,
I really agree with your idea of combining a patient-facing mobile app with a hospital-facing web app. It is a smart way to streamline the entire care process from appointment scheduling to tele-medicine and medication delivery. I like your focus on data security, using end-to-end encryption. This approach will not only improve patient convenience but also reduce hospital crowding. I think it is a great solution for improving healthcare outcomes.
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