EHS and the Hakeem Program Continue to Successfully Implement 'Open' EHR Systems in Jordan

At the most recent WorldVistA Conference held at George Mason University earlier this month, attendees learned about the continued success and progress being made by EHS and the Hakeem Program in implementing EHR systems in public hospitals and clinics throughout Jordan.

The Hakeem Program was launched in October 2009, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II.  It's aim was  to computerize all of the Kingdom's public hospitals and clinics. The goal of this nationwide implementation effort is to enhance the quality and efficiency of health care offerings, to reach the highest international standards for health care, and to significantly improve hospital and clinic workflows. Establishing and utilizing an electronic health record (EHR) system for patients throughout the public health sector will enhance the patient's experience as they pass through the public hospitals and clinics.

Using the EHR system, clinicians will be able to securely access and view their patients’ records using their national ID number. The patient's medical record will include comprehensive medical and surgical history and physical examinations, procedural and surgical reports, current medications, allergies, as well as in-patient and out-patient clinic visit notes. In addition, it will provide online access to lab results and digital radiological exams, and this will help reduce cost and improve safety, quality of care and better management of patients with chronic diseases. Hakeem will also create a comprehensive, national patient database to support research and scientific studies by providing necessary statistics to support the decision-making process and the development of enhanced clinical practices and health policies.

Hakeem is based on the WorldVistA open source version of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs electronic health record (EHR) platform known as 'VistA'.  This enterprise-wide system is used in thousands of hospitals and clinics around the world, consists of about 100 integrated software modules. VistA is a proven open source health information technology (IT) solutions that can be used in a small clinic or hospital, yet can also easily scale up to meet the needs of a large, national health care system.

Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) is a non-profit, innovative, technology–driven company based in Jordan that is working on customizing the VistA system to meet the needs and requirements for the use of the system in public hospitals and clinics throughout the Kingdom. EHS is committed to transforming the practices of health care in Jordan through the provision of automation solutions that enhance the quality and efficiency of medical care for patients across the country.

A comprehensive rollout plan was prepared for the implementation of Hakeem Program in the Ministry of Health hospitals and clinics, Royal Health Services facilities, King Hussein Cancer Center and in University hospitals, following the successful implementation of the pilot test in selected facilities which included Prince Hamzah Hospital and Amman Comprehensive Clinic. The test sites allowed EHS to take significant steps in tailoring the VistA system to meet the requirements for usage of the system in Jordan.

To learn more about the Hakeem Program and the successful implementation of VistA in Jordan, visit the Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) web site.