Here is the Q&A from the webinar on 28 January 2021:
Q: We are considering to collect tracker data for the two dose regimen for a population of over a million. What will be the server requirements for the implementation of this toolkit in this context.
A: Server specifications are a context specific requirement which should developed be a technical person familiar with the proposed scope of the implementation. Generic requirements can be found here (Home - DHIS2 Documentation), and we are currently conducting rigours performance testing efforts to provide additional information about limits, which will be added to the package documentation.
Q: It’s great to see entity matching in the enrollment. An element to de-duplicate patients is a key element of a patient/client registry. The portal looked like patient registry is associated by program or facility. Can you share how this module can support synchronizing client IDs with an external SHR or non DHIS2/module application?
A: The first line of defense against duplicates is the search, which is configurable and tied to the specific fields that the country uses for positive identification. The package generically has a field for national ID, as well as a generated unique covid vaccination identifier, along with specific attributes such as first name, last name, date of birth, etc. The country should identify the fields that they want to use for identification, and ensure that those fields are searchable, and perhaps required.
In order to connect to other systems containing client IDs, it is important to identify at least one shared identifier field, and mandate its use. The actual connection between the systems depends on the technical requirements – it can be a direct interaction between systems using the API, an external service, or even an external data warehouse or interoperability layer which multiple systems feed into.
Q: In order to use the Immunization module, is the Surveillance module a prerequisite to be installed/ used?
A: No, the toolkit is designed in a modular way. Countries can take any or all of the components they would like according to their needs and context. One advantage for countries who have used the Surveillance modules in their national systems is the ease of data triangulation across Covid surveillance and Covid vaccination.
Q: Is it possible to have an open report for all citizens of AEFI? I mean separated from the secured form for reporting AEFI
A: This is a new use case to us. DHIS2 is entirely configurable, and so it is quite flexible in what you can do. The current AEFI modules supports the more traditional adverse event reporting and investigation workflows.
Q: What technical support is available to countries that would like to adopt this platform?
A: We encourage countries to reach out to their regional HISP group as a first line of support. If you are not sure if there is a HISP group already providing support, please contact us at covid@dhis2.org and we will connect you with a regional partner. Please also join our Community of Practice at community.dhis2.org to connect with partners and receive updates from DHIS2.
At the global level, HISP UiO provides support for the toolkit itself, including the installable metadata packages, technical guides for installation, demo databases, implementation and training resources.
Q: Does all this module uses WHO Drug standard and/or Pharmaceutical identification standards?
A: These supply chain data points and indicators do follow WHO drug standards. We have not incorporated GS1 standards into DHIS2 yet, but we are working with our development teams and partners to do this.
In addition, the QR/Barcode reader in the DHIS2 Android Capture app supports the following formats (I think most of them are related to the GS1 standard):
Barcodes:
- CODABAR
- Code 39
- Code 93
- Code 128
- EAN 8
- EAN 13
- Interleaved Two of Five (ITF)
- PDF417
- RSS 14
- RSS EXPANDED
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- UPC/EAN extension format
QR:
- QR Code
- Data Matrix
- MaxiCode
- Aztec
This is the library in charge of reading QR/Barcodes. It has more info on the supported formats.
Q: Is this tool available for all?
A: Yes, the DHIS2 software itself is freely available for anyone to install and use. The Covid-19 vaccine toolkit is also freely available. To learn more about the toolkit, please visit dhis2.org/covid-vaccine-delivery and for package downloads dhis2.org/who-package-downloads
Q: is it possible to download and practice on it?
A: Yes, you can download the packages from dhis2.org/who-package-downloads and install in your own test instance of DHIS2 or you can visit our demo site: https://who.sandbox.dhis2.org/covax_demo
Q: Are these all part of the same toolkit? What are the pre-requisites for a country to adopt (hardware specs, etc)?
A: Yes, the solutions presented are part of a toolkit but can be implemented in modular way (a country can pick and choose which components they are interested in). In countries that already use DHIS2, we recommend that these packages can be integrated into the existing infrastructure. DHIS2 is a web-based platform so it can be used on any desktop and the DHIS2 Android app also allows offline data capture on Android devices. Android specs can be found here: Home - DHIS2 Documentation
Q: Where will the package will be published?
A: You can find information about the package and how to download them here:Covid Vaccine Delivery - DHIS2
We will update the package downloads continuously as we create packages, update packages and generate for DHIS2 version support here: Metadata Package Downloads - DHIS2
Q: Is is possible to have a desktop version if needed?
A: Yes, DHIS2 is a web based platform so users can access from desktops. DHIS2 is generally not deployed as a local database on a desktop, though it could be. There are also a number of offline data entry solutions including the DHIS2 Android Capture App.
Q: Will your organization be able to provide support the implementation remotely such as the Pacific region due to travel restrictions?
A: The HISP network does provide remote implementation support. We have seen successful remote support during the pandemic to 37 countries who implemented the COVID-19 surveillance toolkit. We have also improved our digital training resources and increased learning opportunities such as webinars and online DHIS2 Academies to help. Several countries in the Pacific use DHIS2, such as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
Q: what is the min internet bandwidth required ?
A: Data can be captured offline using the DHIS2 Android Capture app in low bandwidth settings. A reasonably stable internet connection is generally needed to sync data to the server, however there are some solutions such as submitting data via SMS (this requires the implementing country to set up an SMS gateway with DHIS2).