Development of medical records exchange system - a case of OpenMRS and Care2X

A significant number of healthcare delivery services in developing countries continue to adopt eHealth systems, enabled by information and communication technology (ICT). Open source health information systems (HIS) such as OpenMRS and Care2X are increasingly adopted in resource constrained countries including Tanzania. The exchange of patients' information in terms of electronic medical records (EMR) between different types of HIS is challenged by the heterogeneity. This brings challenges in integrating medical data and also interoperability of the e-medical recording systems became complicated. In this study, we proposed a medical records exchange system (MRES) prototype for exchange of information on OpenMRS and Care2x hospital information systems. The software development was done using Agile methodology and implemented in a web-based application framework that allowed for ease of integration and use of health information systems at medical facilities. The MRES allows for exchange of medical information when patients are transferred from one hospital to another overcoming the queues and paper work involved in the process.