The design and implementation of online medical record system (OMRS)

Abstract

Access to appropriate and credible medical information is essential. It is however saddening that many developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have low or no access to information on personal health status. The Online Medical Record System (OMRS) is a departure from the traditional paper-based medical record system of healthcare practices to an Internet based medical record storage system. In this paper, we implemented OMRS software that has successfully been able to store, update and modify the patients\' medical history records. It also creates an appointment scheduler system and a platform for online consultation. OMRS allows patients control their own records while allowing doctors access when they need it. OMRS provides a way for doctors and patients to replace thick medical charts and swap information without the need for costly and time-consuming office visits. The advent of internet has made it possible for OMRS to come up with a way in which the problem of computerizing medical records effectively and sharing it can be solved. The OMRS would serve important national interests and it is believed that implementation of the OMRS will have a dramatic impact on the overall quality of healthcare delivery in developing countries.

IJONAS Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 11-21