Abstract:
Background: The implementation of e-Health is one of the key pillars in strengthening
health care systems in Rwanda. Among different forms of e Health systems, HMIS has
been adapted by MoH to help in management of hospital in great effective and efficient
manner.
Problem Statement: OpenClinic and OpenMRS e-Health systems are two open source
software commonly used as Hospital management information system. However from the
time of their deployment there is no study done to find out which one is better. This study
aims to compare both system in term of functionality, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Objective: This study aims to compare two open source e-Health systems currently used;
OpenMRS in and OpenClinic in terms of functionality, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Research question: Which one is the best between OpenMRS and OpenClinic in term of
functionality, effectiveness, cost effectiveness and efficiency?
Significance: The comparative information will help in health sector by guiding the
MoH, decision makers, Advisors; investors; Stakeholders and Health facilities in
selection while choosing which is appropriate, effective and efficient for deployment in
their daily activities to manage hospital information.
Methodology: The study was a comparative cross sectional study in which interviews,
observation and questionnaires was used. There are three restricted forms in English and
Kinyarwanda: one related to end-user appreciation, the second for hospital administrator
related to administrative related outputs, and the third for ICT personnel related to
technical performance of the system.
Results and conclusion: Funding results show that the two systems have similar
functionality, but, OpenMRS appear more effective and efficient than OpenClinic; p
value is <0.05.This finding can’t be generalised in other Health facilities.
Recommendations: MoH should keep deployment of OpenMRS in other hospitals. To
administrators: follow up is highly recommended as administrative conditions determine
the usage and effectiveness of the system.
