Development of a Health Information Exchange (HIE) system using the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Technology

Abstract

Most advanced nations have existing software systems that enforce a significant level of Health Information Exchange interoperability. A straightforward implementation or integration of the technique of such an application into the healthcare system in regions that have infrastructure challenges may not achieve the maximum result. Existing EHR interoperability solutions are primarily Web-based and are explicitly compatible to particular health standards. Resulting from this, such current technologies also need, at the very least, secure access to internet connectivity.On the other hand, several regions around the world (especially in developing countries) are characterized with bad internet accessibility, imbalanced spread of computer technology and literacy, and acute information breach.Therefore, this work aims to develop a system that allows patient records to be exchanged between health facilities given the challenge of lack of ubiquitous internet connectivity, unreliable internet access and also bridging the digital divide gap.This research will have positive impacts on different stakeholders in the health sector. Health institutions can access patients’ information evading the issue of poor or no internet connectivity. As a result of this, healthcare professionals will be able to give better and prompt treatments in cases of emergencies and avoid medical errors. Medical practitioners will also not have to deal with the communication gap or barrier when seeing a patient with low literacy level.This research would not only be of relevance to the health sector, it can also be adapted by other sectors using the USSD technology as a means of storage and retrieval of information.