BuaNews (Tshwane)
Proffesor Ndawonde
20 November 2008
Sebokeng — The Gauteng Department of Health has introduced two new computer systems which will replace the outdated paper-based method of keeping patient records.
The Health Information System (HIS) and Electronic Health Record (e-HR), launched on Thursday by the MEC for Health Brian Hlongwa, is expected to streamline the day-to-day operations within the hospital environment.
Key aspects such as patient registration, admissions, recording of clinical data and medication management will be addressed, while the e-HR replaces paper-based patient records ensuring easier access of a patient's medical history from any facility across the province.
Launching the systems at Sebokeng Hospital, the MEC said the systems would benefit both health care providers and patients through the timeous provision and processing of information relating to a patient's health.
"Doctors and nurses will be assisted in making better informed decisions on patients regarding diagnosis and treatment," he said, adding that the e-HR was critical in improving health care delivery because the system would enable patient tracking.
"This integrated system means that once a patient has visited any government health facility in Gauteng, all the relevant details of their visit will be available when they visit any other government health facility in the province."
Mr Hlongwa said through these systems the department was keeping up with international trends where health facilities were doing away with paper-based patient records which could not be accessed by a number of institutions.
An added advantage was a reduction in repetitive tests due to the fact that patient records would be readily available to all and there would be a decreased use of paper which is more environmentally friendly.
Health workers would also be able to give more attention to patients instead of spending time on taking down patient information. Waiting times will also be reduced, because the system is not manual and there will be no need to search for misplaced or lost files.
"Computer literacy of communities will improve for health centres and clinic staff. More staff members will be trained on computers and have access to computers as part of their everyday workload," he said.
MEC Hlongwa said the launch of HIS and e-HR was part of the department's Turnaround Strategy which focuses on improving and strengthening health care services delivery to the community.
The department's turnaround strategy is premised on four key areas which are promotion of healthy lifestyle, strengthening of existing programmes, quality health services and leadership and management.
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