Online epidemiological health system

Abstract

Techniques and methodologies of improving quality in healthcare have evolved rapidly over the past few years. This has come about due to several factors: the large number of field experiences that have taken place and a variety of different areas and specialties; the increasing complexity of health care delivery and emerging new needs for efficient and cost effective care; increased expectations of customers; and lastly, the advances III our knowledge on improvement, management and clinical practice. Today, the Internet is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by providing a wealth of resources and information on health, health services and health products. There is a big potential for health records to improve care for consumers and support decision-making by healthcare providers. There is a recognized need in developing countries for an integrated health system for improvement of efficiency of healthcare service delivery at all levels. Collection and storage of quality data will allow for epidemiological analysis thus providing the scientific basis upon which healthcare delivery is improved and public policy decisions are made. In Kenya, poor collection, storage and analysis of epidemiological data have been reported at all levels. A system that would collect, store, analyze and report epidemiological data would go a long way in improving the way decisions are made within the health sector. By using a reporting tool such as GIS systems would help in identifying unmet health needs, characterize areas and high priority population groups, detect health risk determinants and .' evaluate impact of health interventions.