Students Develop Digital Electronic Health Record Platform for Rural Communities

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Students from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), specializing in Computer Engineering, are developing an electronic health record (EHR) system designed to transform healthcare delivery in rural communities, such as those in the Napo River basin of Maynas province. This pilot project, set to be implemented at Hospital II-1 Santa Clotilde, aims to solve issues inherent in paper-based record keeping, including long waiting times and information loss. A key technical feature is its local server design, which does not require constant internet connectivity—a crucial factor in remote areas. This allows for agile data management and connection of computers and tablets used by medical staff, optimizing care in specialized fields like Obstetrics and Child Development. Furthermore, the platform incorporates international medical informatics standards such as HL7 and FHIR to ensure interoperability with other existing health systems. The students have implemented strict security protocols to protect patient personal data, using a simulated database during initial testing. This ambitious project is expected to impact approximately 30,000 people across 45 communities in the Napo basin, serving as a potential model for strengthening the entire Peruvian healthcare system.