For handheld computers, see EpiHandy and UHIN.

General information

Extending the scope of the DHIS 2.0 we would like to make use of new wireless (cell phone-based) methods for communicating with a central (DHIS) database. Though this is no immediate requirement by the DHIS users, the rapid development in mobile technologies and especially the massive expansion in cell phone coverage in most developing countries during the last 4-6 years it is a very interesting research area.
Here are some areas where these technologies can be applied in the field of health information:

• Auto-generation of SMS messages used as reminders to facilities/districts that have not submitted their routine data yet.
• Simple data entry of semi-permanent data, e.g. an auto-generated SMS : "Facility X: Please confirm sanitation type in your facility - SMS one or more of the following back. 1: Pit latrine. 2: WC 3: etc etc" sent to all organisational units.
• Enable managers with browsing-enabled cell phones to access core DHIS data in a cell-friendly display format (simple selection screens etc).
• Generate SMS messages that are used as instant "polls".
• Enable managers to use SMS (tricky, maybe, but possible) to extract compact indicator information from the DHIS. For example, an manager send the SMS:
  "Area: Chittoor. Period: June-04. Indicator: Imm Cov <1" and in return get: ""Area: Chittoor. Period: June-04. Indicator: Imm Cov <1. Value: 75.9%"

The Wireless module is at the moment focusing on SMS messages. Later on the module may look at other technologies as well, such as WAP.

What is the Wireless Module?

The Wireless Module extends the DHIS 2 project with a framework for handling SMS messages, giving the other DHIS 2 modules the possibility to use SMS messages as a communication channel with end users. The Wireless Module lets other modules send and receive SMS messages in a very easy way. As of today the Wireless Module only allow for sending and receiving messages to and from cellulars using a SIM card from the norwegian telecom operator Telenor. However these SIM cards should work in cellular phones in most countries in the world.
The Wireless Module may be connected to other telecom operators as soon there is a need for sending SMS messages to other SIM cards than the ones from Telenor.

Progress plan and delivery reports

Project delivery 1 Wireless module 1.0-alpha-1 (7th of March)
Project delivery 2 Wireless module 1.0-alpha-2 (4th of April)
Project delivery 3 Wireless module 1.0-alpha-3 (27th of April)
Project delivery 4 Wireless module 1.0-beta (15th of June)

Documentation

The Wireless Module will gather all its key information in the its Documentation. Here you will find documentation on how to get started using the Wireless Module, and everything needed to understand this module and how to integrate SMS services in other DHIS 2 modules based on the Wireless Module.

JIRA

Further information regarding the development of this module may be found in the modules' JIRA page.

Contact information

Eivind Bøhn (eivinb at ifi dot uio dot no, +47 95 88 48 25)