Affiliations: [a] Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan | [b] The Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), Jakarta, Indonesia | [c] ACT-JST (“Research Development for Applying Advanced Computational Science and Technology” of the Japan Science and Technology Corporation), Saitama, Japan
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Prof. T. Yamaguchi MD, PhD, Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Tohoku University, Aoba 01, Sendai 980-8579, Japan. Tel.: +81 22 217 6958; Fax: +81 22 217 6959; E-mail: takami@pfsl.mech.tohoku.ac.jp.
Abstract: This study explores the Patient Record Information System (PaRIS) for primary health care centers in a developing country such as Indonesia. The specific geography of the thousand islands country Indonesia is the reason for transportation difficulties as well as communication problems. This causes a serious adverse effect on the public healthcare service especially in the rural area within the country. Hence, a sustainable system is required that makes use of appropriate Information and Communication Technology (ICT). We developed a clinical information system with modest communication technology combined with a unique database distribution system. The Internet and its free software are the main tools for this system. It is a good opportunity for a developing country such as Indonesia to apply open free software in regard to the healthcare sector. This cost effective and sustainable system can enhance the work of physicians in order to provide better and applicable public health care service.
Keywords: information and communication technology, open free software, patient record information system, primary care health center, sustainable system
