The Binaytara Foundation is developing an electronic health record, or EHR, tailored to the healthcare needs and infrastructure of South Asian countries. The project involves the development of a web-based EHR, implementation, and ongoing maintenance.
The goal is to improve the quality of life of residents in this region by aiding healthcare providers in clinical decision making, improving adherence to treatment by tracking follow-ups and utilization of services, and collecting important health data to be used to improve care and services.
Once developed, the EHR system will be implemented as a pilot program at outpatient clinics in Nepal, India, and Bhutan where the Binaytara Foundation has existing healthcare projects. These projects include establishing cancer services, and expanding hospice and palliative care programs.
EHR systems are critical components of population health management. They can provide risk surveillance, adherence to treatment, reduce medical errors, and improve patient follow-up. Despite these benefits, the cost of implementing EHR systems can be prohibitive for low-income countries in South Asia where the majority of patients are poor and uninsured. A handful of private health institutions in these countries might be using some form of EHR. However, most of the public healthcare facilities and providers that serve the poorer and sicker patients in this region do not currently use one. Most EHR systems currently offered in the market are cost prohibitive and geared toward the needs of developed countries. Thus, there is a need to develop and implement a comprehensive EHR system that meets the unique healthcare needs of this region.