The Rise and Rise of OpenMRS

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The complexities of setting up an EHR in Africa are vast, but in spite of this, there are many stories of success. The story of OpenMRS is one of these.

Open Medical Record System (or OpenMRS) is an open-source electronic medical record (EMR) platform. It was founded in 2004 and was designed to support healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. The goal was to develop a flexible, extensible and customisable EMR system.

Achieving an ambitious goal like this required a collaboration of note. The project saw the coming together of individuals from various organisations, including Partners In Health, Columbia University, and the Regenstrief Institute. Some notable names here include Paul Biondich, Burke Mamlin, and Hamish Fraser.

Today, OpenMRS is used throughout large parts of Africa. Originally piloted in Kenya in 2006, it has since been implemented in several other African countries, including Uganda and Tanzania.

One of the key features of OpenMRS is its modular framework built upon Java, which allows developers to create custom modules that can be added to the system to extend its functionality. The platform also includes a powerful data reporting and visualisation engine, which enables users to generate reports and analyse data to support clinical decision-making.

Despite its strengths, OpenMRS has some limitations. It requires technical expertise to set up and maintain, may require significant modifications to run effectively, and finally, it may not provide the same level of functionality as some of the more commercial electronic medical record systems.

Nonetheless, OpenMRS boasts a vibrant online community that provides excellent support to its users. The community hosts regular virtual meetings and conferences to promote knowledge sharing around its best practices. The OpenMRSWiki, in particular, is an amazing resource for users looking for tutorials, as well as for developers looking to contribute.

Several research studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. It has also been endorsed by organisations such as the UN Development Program and the International Medical Informatics Association.

Overall, OpenMRS continues to be a powerful tool for healthcare providers by improving access to quality healthcare in resource-limited settings. Its ongoing development, support by a dedicated online community, and widespread adoption hold great promise for the future of the platform

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