Introduction to EMR Systems

I-TECH Kenya, University of Washington

23RD APRIL 2015

Learning Objectives

• Describe the purpose of Kenya’s health information system

• Define information technology terms associated with EMR systems

• Correctly identify the hardware and software components of an EMR system

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying new technologies to managing data

• Start up and log on to a KenyaEMR workstation

What Is Meant By “Health Information System”?

1. A schema describing the relationships and information flow between component systems, whether paper-based or with electronic elements

2. Is the design and functional structure of an information system

3. Can include software components

Purpose of the Kenya Health Information System

To support informed strategic decision making by providing quality data which help managers and health workers at all levels of the health system in:

– Planning and managing the health services;– Monitoring disease trends and control

epidemics; – Providing periodic progress evaluation

towards agreed targets.

What is an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)?

• A computerized medical record created in an organization that delivers care, such as a clinic site or a hospital.

• Electronic medical records are a part of health information system that allows data entry, manipulation, storage, and retrieval of records.

• Can be a point of care model or a data entry model.

What is an EMR System?

• Multiple EMR systems used in Kenya• Four EMR systems now recommended for

use at facilities in Kenya:– KenyaEMR– IQCare – C-PAD – Funsoft

Advantages of an EMR

• Simultaneous access to records from multiple locations

• Legibility• Variety of views on

data• Support for structured

data entry• Fast retrieval of data

for research• Decision support• Support for other

data analysis• Electronic data

exchange and sharing care support

• Confidentiality• Security

Logging onto KenyaEMR

Navigating KenyaEMR

Reporting using KenyaEMR

Questions