Silent killer: Lack of means to share patient records among hospitals in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. In Tanzania, the complex network of public hospitals frequently struggles to ensure a continuous flow of patient information, resulting in major gaps in medical records and unnoticed diagnoses.

This issue predominantly affects patients, especially those who require transfer to referral hospitals, where the lack of access to previous medical data necessitates redundant testing and delays in treatment.

This exacerbates the burden on both patients and healthcare providers.

The first layer of this challenge lies in the disjointed nature of medical record-keeping systems across public hospitals.

With almost each hospital operating its own independent database, the transfer of patient data between facilities becomes a convoluted process, prone to errors and oversights.

Consequently, when patients are referred to higher-tier hospitals for specialised care, crucial medical histories, test results, and treatment plans often fail to accompany them, forcing healthcare practitioners to start from scratch.

However, Dr Mwinyikondo Amir, assistant director of Medical Services, at the Ministry of Health, says that authorities recognise the challenges posed by the lack of interconnectivity in hospital systems, which have been a result of outdated infrastructure and systems that were not in place in previous years.

“We are implementing initiatives to enhance interconnectivity among hospitals nationwide, with the aim of ensuring seamless transmission of patient data and medical records,” he reveals.

He says that the goal is to eliminate the need for patients to undergo redundant tests or explain their medical history repeatedly.

“Once our efforts come to fruition, patients will no longer face the inconvenience of repeating tests unnecessarily or having to recount their medical conditions multiple times. Treatment plans will be based on comprehensive and accurate information from the outset,” he explains.

“While this process may take time, we are committed to achieving our objectives and providing a more efficient and patient-centred healthcare system for all Tanzanians," he notes.

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A medical doctor at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Dr Fredrick Mihayo, shares that it's frustrating to witness patients undergo repeated check-ups simply because there's no comprehensive data or evidence available regarding their medical condition.

“We're forced to rely on incomplete information, which often results in unnecessary duplication of tests. This not only wastes valuable time and resources but also puts patients at risk by delaying their diagnosis and treatment," he reveals.

He explained that the lack of a centralised system for storing and accessing patient data means that critical test results are sometimes not recorded.

On his part, Dr Shamimu Mohammed from Musoma Referral Hospital says that the absence of standardised protocols for data sharing exacerbates the problem.

“The lack of interoperability among different hospital systems complicates electronic data exchange, hindering efforts to establish a cohesive network of medical information,” she says.

She says the repercussions of this interconnectivity failure are dire for patients, particularly those with complex or chronic conditions.

She notes that upon arrival at referral hospitals, individuals are frequently subjected to redundant diagnostic procedures, including laboratory tests, imaging scans, and consultations, consuming valuable time and resources.

“The delay in accessing accurate medical histories increases the risk of incorrect diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and compromised patient outcomes,” she explains.

However, she recommends that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that prioritises the establishment of robust information-sharing mechanisms among public hospitals.

“We need to invest in technological infrastructure such as electronic health record (EHR) systems capable of seamless data exchange. Standardised protocols for data transmission and encryption must be implemented to ensure the privacy and security of patient information.

Additionally, she says that the development of a centralised health information exchange (HIE) platform could facilitate real-time access to patient records across all levels of the healthcare system.

“By consolidating medical data from disparate sources into a unified repository, healthcare practitioners would gain comprehensive insights into patients' medical histories, enabling more informed clinical decisions and reducing the need for duplicate testing,” she explains.

Furthermore, Dr Fredrick advises that capacity-building initiatives should be prioritised to enhance healthcare professionals' proficiency in utilising digital health technologies and adhering to standardised data-sharing protocols.

“Training programmes could equip personnel with the necessary skills to navigate EHR systems effectively and securely exchange patient information, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability within the healthcare ecosystem,” he notes.