Table 1 Pros and cons of using OpenMRS for Estudio Epi

• Large user base and support team

• Workflow originally designed around clinical care rather than research

• Modular architecture simplifying the addition of new functionality and version control

• Required custom code for data exports to SAS

• Many modules and functions already built

• Required modification of form entry tools for double entry of data

• Support for open standards for data coding and exchange such as HL7, ICD [17], SNOMED [18], LOINC [19]

• Setup for a new study usually requires some programming

• Open source software

• Good data security and auditing functions

• Modules available to link to mobile phone software

• Can be used online or offline

• Potential to have major impact in resource poor environments given existing wide use for clinical care and reporting