Integrating Systems for Better Patient Outcomes
A centralized integration platform connecting patient data with SMS and mobile payment systems for tuberculosis patients.
Connecting TB Patients to Care
Mileage4TB was a randomized controlled trial conducted by Makerere University School of Public Health in June 2023 whose aim was to assess the effectiveness of SMS & Phone call remiders and Mobile Money incentives in improving linkage to care of presumptive TB patients.
The challenge was to develop a system to elimate the manual implementation of key activities invlolved. Manual processes were slow, error-prone, and made it difficult to track patient outcomes in real-time. The patients' information was collected using ODK Aggregate which was the main source of information.
The Verton team developed a centralized integration platform that connected ODK Aggregate with communication and payment systems to automate workflows and improve efficiency in the different health centers where the project was being undertaken.
What We Achieved
The result was the design and development of a centralised system that seamlessly integrated with multiple systems to keep patients engaged and project monitoring teams informed in five health centers.
Solution Components
System Integration
Developed a central system based on Drupal 8. It worked as point of integration for the rest of the applications.
ODK Integration
Made the data in the ODK database available in the central system for processing without having to import it.
SMS Integration
Developed a script for scheduling and sending SMS messages in the patient's preferred language.
LabXpert Integration
Developed a script notify the patient via SMS when the test results are available for pickup.
Mobile Money
For patients that fell in any category to receive Mobile Money, we integrated with Onafriq to send them stipends.
WebRTC Calls
We partnered with Africa Talking to integrate browser-based voice calls for patient follow-up and call logging.
Analytics Dashboard
Built a real-time dashboard for monitoring patient engagement. Each health facilitate accessed only their registered patients info.
Testing & Deployment
Comprehensive system testing and deployment on our servers including setup, configuration and ensuring secure system access.
Trainning
Trainning the project team how to access the system dashboard and to perform the ppropriate actions per patient.
Takeaways
Integration enhances efficiency and scalability
Automation improves consistency & efficiency
Centralized systems improve visibility
Interoperability is critical for digital health systems
Outcomes
Data available within hours, not days or weeks.
Reduced human errors through automated processes.
Automated workflows freed up staff time.
Better engagement through automated reminders.