Harnessing data to improve care in diabetic foot injury

Effective data management and analysis plays a transformative role in ensuring patient care and safety and is increasingly being digitized in Solomon Islands. To leverage this growing potential, a DHIS2 module for diabetic foot surgery was recently launched by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).  

The launch complements Solomon Islands’ wider programs on non-communicable diseases and is part of the MHMS and WHO diabetes, diabetic foot coaching, and quality improvement program. WHO/R. Serrano

Implemented by the Diabetes Unit Surgical Ward (DUSW) and the Health Information Systems (HIS) Department, the system enables tracking of individual patients who are undergoing diabetes-related surgeries at the National Referral Hospital (NRH). DHIS2, the world’s largest health information management platform, is used by ministries of health for health data collection, management, and analysis.

The launch coincided with a workshop to equip members of the DUSW with the required skills to enter patient data, access results, and use patient records to make informed decisions in providing care. By becoming proficient in DHIS2, healthcare workers will be able to access critical information in a timely manner, and avoid inefficiencies and delays caused by data duplication.

Dr Rooney Jagilly, Head of Surgery at the NRH, thanked HIS and WHO for supporting the launch of the system and the training. He said cases of diabetic foot injury (DFI) is a major problem, occupying more than half of the NRH’s surgical ward. He added that cases progressively increased since the 2000s. 

“Since the 2000s, there has been a growth in DFI cases, which is why we need proper database to understand the disease and consequently improve patient care,” said Dr Jagily. He added that the information collected from using DHIS2 will help them serve patients better. “Data is power. With the right data, we can easily inform patients about their condition and convince them to take the path to optimum health and well-being,” added Dr Jagily. 

The launch complements Solomon Islands’ wider programs on non-communicable diseases and is part of the MHMS and WHO diabetes, diabetic foot coaching, and quality improvement program. 

Coaching and quality improvement at the primary care level, is essential to see a reduction in the number of diabetes-related amputations at the surgical ward. Having strong data throughout the patient journey helps measure the effectiveness of diabetes and diabetic foot screening and management at primary health facilities. 

Having strong data throughout the patient journey helps measure the effectiveness of diabetes and diabetic foot screening and management at primary health facilities. WHO/R. Serrano

Explaining the advantages of the new system, Mr Vasco Carvalho, WHO Technical Officer for Health Information Systems said the system allows for the detailed tracking of each patient’s journey from admission to discharge. “By digitizing patient data and analysis, the system aids in streamlining record-keeping, improving data accuracy, and providing timely information to support clinical decision-making,” said Mr Carvalho. 

The launch of the DHIS2 digital health system is also in line with Solomon Islands’ digital health journey, fueled by a strong commitment to transform the country’s health system and thereby improve people’s health by leveraging the power of digital technology.

During January’s workshop on Solomon Islands’ digital health strategy, MHMS Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil said: “By harnessing digital tools and technologies, we can cultivate a robust data ecosystem that empowers healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. This ecosystem will enable us to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve substantial health improvements.”

WHO thanks the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Institute of Philanthropy for their contributions towards making this work possible.