Last month in Nairobi, Kenya, proved JeMPI integration is possible
A team from Jembi, including Natasha, William, and Wayne, rolled up their sleeves for a hackathon. Their mission was to enhance the National Data Warehouse (NDW) with a Master Patient Index. Specifically JeMPI, a tool designed and developed by Jembi to make patient data more accurate and accessible.
Why does this matter?
In healthcare, knowing exactly who your patients are is crucial. Before this project, the NDW struggled with duplicates and inaccuracies in patient records. JeMPI is our answer to streamline patient information, making sure everyone is on the same page.
Jembi, alongside partners CDC Kenya and Palladium Kenya, tackled the challenge head-on. They weren't just coding in a vacuum. The team tested, debated, and iterated, focusing on real-world healthcare needs. They mapped out current systems, identified gaps, and laid out a roadmap to weave JeMPI seamlessly into Kenya's healthcare tapestry.
Challenges and Achievements
Addressed programmatic gaps such as tracking patients visiting multiple facilities and identifying previously treated patients.
JeMPI UI demonstrated, providing visibility into patient activities across different facilities.
New requirements identified for addressing use cases not covered by current linking rules.
This trip also included a site visit to Athi River Hospital (first picture), offering the team firsthand insight into the operational challenges and opportunities within local healthcare settings, making their solutions even more grounded and impactful.
Natasha shared, "The workshop was fantastic, as you can see from the smiles in the picture."
But it wasn't all work and no play
"On the last night before we left Kenya, Paul took us to a fantastic jazz restaurant that turned into a very late event," Natasha reminisced, highlighting the blend of rigorous work and rich cultural experiences that make these kinds of in-country trips memorable.
As always, this wasn't just about technology
It was about people - patients visiting multiple facilities, receiving consistent care, and health professionals having the right information at the right time. The hackathon highlighted a shared commitment to improving healthcare through collaboration and open dialogue.
The power of face-to-face collaboration
Natasha, William, and Wayne, with their diverse expertise, showed how blending technical skills, domain knowledge, and a deep understanding of local healthcare challenges can lead to practical solutions. And the team learn as much as they shared, gaining valuable insights on what to do next.
Recommendations and Next Steps for JeMPI
Extend linking rules to cover new use cases.
Improve performance by optimizing the handling of incoming interactions.
Finalize the productionization, with additional focus on FHIR training and participation in relevant interoperability summits.
What Jembi achieved in Nairobi is more than just a successful hackathon. It's a testament to the impact of combining technology with teamwork. As digital health professionals, we're reminded of the importance of understanding the community we serve and the value of direct, action-oriented collaboration.
The journey to integrate JeMPI into Kenya's NDW is just beginning, but the path forward is clear. It's about more than technology; it's about transforming healthcare for the better, one patient at a time.
