The Implementation of Epi Info v3.4 in Supporting the Data Management of Patients’ Visits to the Health Centers at Donggala District, Central of Sulawesi
Abstract
Sugeng Wiyana, Lutfan Lazuardi, Anis Fuad
Background: The utilization of computer technology can improve the quality and use of information. Health centers in Donggala District need computer application which was easy to use, simple, and reliable for data management of patients’ visits. Epi Info v3.4 version can be used for data entry, data processing and analyzing, also producing the output of tables, graphs, and maps simply and easily.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the implementation of Epi Info v3.4 in supporting the data management of patients’ visits to the local government clinics. The examination concerned on the level of easiness to use, the output quality, data accuracy, the process and analyses acceleration, also the data and information completeness.
Methods: This was a qualitative-exploratory study by using action research approach toward the implementation of Epi Info v3.4 at the health centers. There were seven selected health centers which would be applied the Epi Info v3.4 in their data management of patients’ visits. The procedures were need identification, implementation, evaluation and learning.
Results: Design of computerized patients’ visits data, applied on Epi Info v3.4, referred to the registry book which had been used as the documentation media. The exploration to the registry book resulted that it needed several related variables to patient’s data. In the implementation stage, Epi Info v3.4 was applied for data processing and analyzing of patients’ visit, included data searching, patients’ call rate calculation based on the desired variables, cross tabulation making, and data presentation on tables, graphs, and maps. Regarding to the evaluation results, most of the respondents stated that Epi Info v3.4 was easy to use; its outputs quality was good and suitable with their needs. The level of accuracy, completeness, and timeliness showed good results. The implementation of Epi Info v3.4 at the health centers resulted good alteration to the previous system and it indicated the collaboration between the researcher and participants lead to the good improvement.
Conclusion: The implementation of Epi Info v3.4 could provide the local government clinics’ need to the patients’ visits data management. By using the Epi Info v3.4, local government clinics could process, analyze, and present the data easily, accurately, completely, and timely.
Keywords: The Epi Info v3.4, data management, health centers’ patients visit.