Designing a data exchange model for EPMS and EDT systems in the directorate of special programmes of the ministry of health and social services [MOHSS].
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Date
2021
Authors
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Publisher
Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
Interoperability of health information systems (HIS) is a major challenge in many developing
countries and Namibia is no exception (Nengomasha, Abankwah, Uutoni, & Pazvakawamba,
2018). In Namibia, the MoHSS has failed to implement a fully functional integrated HIS, despite
continuous support made by numerous donors (Dlodlo & Hamunyela, 2017). As a result, the
MoHSS is facing difficulties in integrating these fragmented information systems due to their
differences in terms of platform and database structure. Putting in mind the challenges caused
by lack of integration, systems interoperability through a model has been identified as a fitting
solution which the research aimed to achieve. In order to achieve the research’s aim, three
objectives were identified. The first objective was to examine EPMS and EDT systems’ functional data
and compatibility issues. The second objective of this research was to analyse common reports
generated from EPMS and EDT systems and the challenges involved in producing a common and single
report. The final objective was to determine the processes that are required for EPMS and EDT
systems to integrate. To address these objectives, a design science research methodology was
applied in the development of the interoperability model. A qualitative data collection
methodology was adopted using document analysis of targeted documents and semi-structured
interviews with relevant departments of the MoHSS. The data collected through document
analysis was analysed using a content analysis approach, whereby a conceptual analysis method
was applied. Subsequently, data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using a thematic
data analysis approach.
The results show that EPMS and EDT systems are not compatible in terms of syntactic, conceptual,
and terminologies. The results also showed that EPMS and EDT systems have few clinical
operational discrepancies. The results further indicated that EPMS and EDT systems do not have
a common patient identifier, however, the two systems share a wide range of common input data
fields, which if shared can be a solution to incompleteness and reporting discrepancies. In terms
of ICT infrastructure, EPMS and EDT systems are standalone databases that are hosted on
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different networks. Also, most ART facilities do not have internet connections while some have
challenges with the network connection.
From a technical perspective, this research emphasises that EPMS and EDT systems can
interoperate. The research further, recommends that EPMS and EDT systems can interoperate
through adopting an integrated data model known as a canonical model. This technological
initiative will allow EPMS and EDT systems to exchange common input data fields by mapping
them together to create a single unified view that will help overcome the two systems’
heterogeneous nature in terms of conceptual, semantic and syntactic levels.
Description
Keywords
Health Information Systems, Ministry of Health, Electronic Dispensing Tool, Electronic Patient Management System
Citation
Kandume, P. N. (2021). Designing a data exchange model for EPMS and EDT systems in the directorate of special programmes of the ministry of health and social services [MOHSS] [Unpublished masters thesis. Namibia University of Science and Technology.