Using Technology to Enhance Health Care

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• Using Technology to Enhance Health Care
• Stelios Michas
• Executive Manager IT
• National Health Laboratory Service

April 2007
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Introduction

• Dissemination of Information
• Patient Laboratory Results
• Management Information
• Financial Information

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Laboratory Results

• Direct LAN Based Connectivity
• HL7 Interfaces (HIS / LIS)
• Web Enabled Lab Results
• SMS
• Fax Delivery

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Direct Connectivity

• LAN Based
• Firewalls between NHLS DOH Networks
• Ideal for larger sites
• JHB General
• Chris Hani Baragwanath
• Dr George Mukhari

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Direct Connectivity

• Advantages
• Fast Access (LAN)
• Real Time Results
• Quick to implement

• Challenges
• SITA Approval
• Client Software

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HIS / LIS Interface

• Based on Health Level 7 Standard
• www.hl7.org
• Data Message xfer between NHLS and DoH
• Symbiotic Relationship
• Patient Demographic data (ADT)
• Result Data
• Order Entry
• Project Initiated
• HIS (Medicom PAAB)
• LIS (DisaLab)

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HIS / LIS - HL7 Interface

• Advantages
• Data Resides on DoH Systems
• Searchable
• Financial Control

• Challenges
• IT Infrastructure
• SITA (FTP via BFR)
• Patient Confidentiality
• Data Mapping
• Software Development

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Web Access to Results

• Results Accessible via Internet
• Successful Pilot in W. Cape
• Implementation Project in Planning Phase

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Web Access to Results

• Advantages
• Accessible from anywhere
• Efficient (WAN)
• Browser based
• Secure Model
• Access All Province Data
• Easy to Roll Out

• Challenges
• Technology Skills (Citrix)
• Costly
• Security
• Real Time Replication

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Cell Phone Technology

• SMS Delivery of Lab Results
• Only Suitable for Single Tests (e.g. TB
  Microscopy)
• Implementation in Progress

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Cell Phone Technology

• Advantages
• Easy delivery
• Improve TB TATs

• Challenges
• Labs Require Internet Connectivity
• SMS Size Limit
• Dedicated or Personal Cell Phones

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Fax

• Fax Delivery of Lab Results
• Ideal for Clinics
• Clinician Receives Entire Report

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FAX

• Advantages
• Full Report Delivered
• Improve TATs all Tests
• Already in Place

• Challenges
• Lab Management of Fax Queues
• Telkom (PSTN) Availability Reliability

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Management Information

• Corporate Data Warehouse
• TB
• HIV CCMT
• Cytology
• Thusano Project
• Financial Information

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Conclusion

• Information will Enhance Patient Healthcare
• Improvement in TAT
• Save costs
• Prevention of Repeat Tests
• Control of Test Orders
• Shorten Patient Hospitalisation

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Thank you www.nhls.ac.za