Wireless Communication Technology to Support Rural Primary Health Care Management In South Africa
The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of wireless communication technology to improve in rural primary health care services. A cell-phone-based patient tracking system for use by home-based carers and a basic electronic clinic patient record system are being implemented in two sites. Summary data from the clinic patient database is transmitted wirelessly to a central database. Preliminary results indicate that electronic information systems have the potential to improve communication between clinic staff, home-based carers and sub-district managers.
