The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is phasing-in the E’Health Records system in primary health facilities across the metro.
The metro is working towards becoming a digital city and promoting the effective use of technology to improve healthcare.
The Electronic Health Records system will make an impact on the waiting times and management of medication at primary healthcare facilities.
The Patient Registration Module, which is the first phase, is in the process of being implemented.
Mr Themba Gadebe, the spokesperson for the EMM, said to date a total of 51 732 patients have been registered on the system at 40 primary healthcare facilities across the metro.
“The Patient Registration Module allows for patients to be registered electronically at reception when they visit clinics. The system will also assist the municipality to establish how many clients are registered at a specific clinic and use that data for the purpose of improving planning of health services and the allocation of resources,” said Mr Gadebe.
He said the system will also assist in the administration of medication and eliminate the current challenge of duplication of treatment.
This happens when patients receive medication from more than one clinic.
“The records system will in the future be linked with the SMS notification system that has already been piloted in nine health facilities. Chronic patients will be sent a short message text reminding them of their next consultation date,” said Mr Gadebe.
An additional electronic module that will be applied in response to the national strategy to modernise healthcare is Mom Connect.
Mom Connect is a cellular phone system linked to a National Electronic Information Centre that was implemented through the National Department of Health in September 2014.
It is an SMS service which provides expectant mothers with information and advice on pregnancy, as well as a channel to notify government about poor service.
Mr Gadebe said training is ongoing to ensure that all clerical personnel are proficient to use the E’Health Records system. While the municipality is in the processes of phasing-in the system, residents are urged to adhere to their appointment dates to prevent overcrowding at clinics.
