Table 2 Key features of E+TRA health system
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Cloud-based | Any device with a web browser can use this system, including computers, smart phones, and tablets, with no installation or software updates. All maintenance and updates are done at the server side |
Coded in open-source language | The website is coded in an open-source language, PHP, which is relatively easy to develop and maintain. As of 2019, 79% of all server-side websites use PHP [39]. And it is the most-used open-source software within enterprises [40] |
Offline-compatible | In developing countries, different departments of a healthcare facility are quite far from each other. Some locations are not covered by wi-fi signals. There are power outages that shut down the routers. Open-source data collection software (e.g., OpenDataKit) provides offline function (Additional file 1: Appendix Fig. S1). Data is stored locally on the devices not covered by wi-fi signals and is uploaded and synchronized automatically when they get access to the local network |
Cross-platform | Accessible in different operating systems, e.g., Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, etc |
transparency | Track any item from receiving from national/district medical stores to dispensing to patients. All transactions/movements and manual adjustments are recorded |
Automatic report generation | Generate monthly standardized reports in real time, which are required to submit to the Ministry of Health of Uganda every month, would take one week for staff to manually generate (Additional file 1: Appendix Fig. S2). Visualize data collected (Additional file 1: Appendix Fig. S3) to support decision making |
Full patient record | Once admitted during their first visit, future visit histories will be connected automatically via patient ID that is assigned |
Automatic inventory level updates | Supply data is extracted from the sourcing forms. Consumption data is extracted from patient prescriptions and lab activities. Store managers no longer manually update and track stock levels on paper or spreadsheets. Full history of transactions of each commodity is recorded in the system and visualized (Additional file 1: Appendix Fig. S4) |
Generation of order quantities | Triangulates data collected from MCH, lab, and main store to forecast the order quantities to the national store, based on maximum stock levels of the health facility |