How should health facilities in South Sudan handle patient data when the internet is down?
Internet connectivity is a major challenge in our area. We often go days without a reliable connection, which means we cannot submit data to DHIS2 or access OpenMRS records. How do other facilities manage patient data during connectivity outages?
Replies 2
We use a hybrid approach: paper registers as backup during outages, with a clear protocol for entering the paper data into the electronic system once connectivity is restored. The key is having a standardised paper form that mirrors the electronic form exactly, so data entry is straightforward when you reconnect.
OpenMRS has an offline mode that allows data entry without internet. The data is stored locally and synced when connectivity is restored. We have been using this for about a year and it works well, though you need to ensure the local device has enough storage and is backed up regularly.
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