NThC Participates in the Electronic Medical Record Users 2nd General Assembly
by: Xandra Bernal
The UP Manila National Telehealth Center (NThC), together with the Tarlac Provincial Health Office and Research Triangle Institute (RTI), co-organized the 2nd General Assembly of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Users in the Philippines at the La Maja Rica Hotel, Tarlac City last February 25, 2010. The General Assembly was spearheaded by Ms. Jona Cabaguio, project coordinator of the Research Triangle Institute International, proponent of the Philippine Wireless Reach Partnership Project. Dr. Peachy Sy, a representative of the Pasay team facilitated the workshop activities for the day. The Pasay City Health Office, specifically the Lagrosa and Malibay Health Centers pioneered the use of the Community Health Information Tracking System or CHITS in their locality and has been continually using such since 2004. CHITS is an electronic medical record designed specially for rural health units.
The National Telehealth Center continues to give unwavering support to such endeavor by co-facilitating the said event. The NThC team who participated the said event were comprised of Dr. Alex I. Gavino, Coordinator for Telehealth Services, Ms. Alexandra Belle Bernal, Telehealth Nurse, and Randy Joseph Fernandez, EMR Software Developer. Participants came from various towns in Tarlac such as Gerona, Moncada, Victoria and Paniqui. Also present were Mr. Alison Perez, Lead Software Developer of CHITS and the Provincial Health Office of Tarlac.
The workshop proper started at around 9:30 in the morning and the group commenced discussion mainly on the issues on hardware, software, internet connectivity, latest CHITS Modules and the CHITS Training. Highlighted in the 2nd General Assembly was the discussion about help desk and the inclusion of new protocols. Lastly, strategies were also formulated in order to ensure continuous growth and to enhance camaraderie among local government units using the EHR all over the country.
The success of the one-day event can be attributed to the enthusiasm of the participants and the willingness of the facilitators to impart invaluable knowledge and experience in using CHITS to the delegates. The warmth of the reception of the hosts made the activity a momentous event in the name of telemedicine/telehealth in the Philippines.
