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Open Source Software: A Key Component of E-Health in Developing Nations

Open Source Software: A Key Component of E-Health in Developing Nations

David Parry, Emma Parry, Phurb Dorji, Peter Stone
Copyright: © 2011 |Pages: 13
ISBN13: 9781616920029|ISBN10: 1616920025|ISBN13 Softcover: 9781616923716|EISBN13: 9781616920036
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61692-002-9.ch012
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MLA

Parry, David, et al. "Open Source Software: A Key Component of E-Health in Developing Nations." Developments in Healthcare Information Systems and Technologies: Models and Methods, edited by Joseph Tan, IGI Global, 2011, pp. 162-174. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61692-002-9.ch012

APA

Parry, D., Parry, E., Dorji, P., & Stone, P. (2011). Open Source Software: A Key Component of E-Health in Developing Nations. In J. Tan (Ed.), Developments in Healthcare Information Systems and Technologies: Models and Methods (pp. 162-174). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61692-002-9.ch012

Chicago

Parry, David, et al. "Open Source Software: A Key Component of E-Health in Developing Nations." In Developments in Healthcare Information Systems and Technologies: Models and Methods, edited by Joseph Tan, 162-174. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2011. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-61692-002-9.ch012

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Abstract

The global burden of disease falls most heavily on people in developing countries. Few resources for healthcare, geographical and infrastructure issues, lack of trained staff, language and cultural diversity and political instability all affect the ability of health providers to support effective and efficient healthcare. Health information systems are a key aspect of improving healthcare, but existing systems are often expensive and unsuitable. Open source software appears to be a promising avenue for quickly and cheaply introducing health information systems that are appropriate for developing nations. This paper describes some aspects of open-source e-health software that are particularly relevant to developing nations, issues and problems that may arise and suggests some future areas for research and action. Suggestions for critical success factors are included. Much of the discussion will be related to a case study of a training and E-health project, currently running in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

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