Institute to launch electronic health records for PLHIV

Abuja, Nigeria – 23rd February, 2018.To improve the quality of care provided to people living with HIV (PLHIV), the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in collaboration with Seam Health Innovations is set to launch the use of electronic health records (EHR) to manage and monitor PLHIV in four health facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano and Nasarawa States.The introduction of real time clinical documentation for patients is scheduled to take place between February 23rd and March 23rd 2018 in National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) Idu, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada , Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) La6a and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano.

According to the IHVN Director, Strategic Information, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, the project will lead togreater e7ciency in handling patient information and reduce the errors in documentation and prescriptions given to patients.

“The hospitals involved will receive laptops, printers and internet support to allow for the smooth transition from paper to electronic documentation,” he said.

Dr. Aliyu expressed his optimism that the support provided will motivate the healthcare providers to embrace the change from manual to electronic systems of documentation and records, which currently is the global norm, not only in advanced countries, but also in developing countries.

He called on the authorities of the facilities to ensure optimal use of the support and provide adequate security for the equipment and maintain con6dentiality of patients’ information.

The project is also expected to give health care workers easy access to patient information, increase their pro6ciency in monitoring and counseling patients and encourage evidence-based strategies that are tailored to the needs of patients.

Managing Partner Seam Health Innovations, Dr. Adetola Olateju notes that in preparation for the launch, an assessment of infrastructural gaps at each facility was done to ensure that all systems meet the requirement.

“Sta> training, work?ow dry runs are being carried out for a smooth transition to be possible.The system also has security settings to ensure that only those authorized have access to patients’ information,” he said.

IHVN first deployed Open Medical Records System (OMRS) an Electronic Medical Record System and e-mobile supportive supervision tool in 2012 at supported facilities to improve and strengthen patient management and monitoring.

However, the launch of real-time e-clinics in the four facilities will eliminate the use of paper documentation and promote data quality and integrity.