Drug Shops Mobile Application

Healthcare mobile app for drug dispensers

2021
Mobile Applications
Completed
Android Java OpenSRP SQLite
View Code

Project Overview

This mobile application was developed from the ground up using the OpenSRP platform, customized specifically for drug shops in Tanzania. The application provides protocols for assessing danger signs of pregnant women, babies, adolescents, and new mothers who present themselves to drug shops.

The app includes comprehensive screening workflows, drug dispensing protocols, and client management features that help improve healthcare delivery at the community level. It was designed with offline-first capabilities to work in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Technical Specifications

Technologies Used

  • Android
  • Java
  • OpenSRP
  • SQLite

Project Details

Category
Mobile Applications
Year
2021
Status
Completed

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge

Offline functionality in areas with poor connectivity

Solution

Implemented robust local SQLite database with sync capabilities

Technologies: SQLite OpenSRP Sync

Challenge

Complex medical protocols needed to be user-friendly

Solution

Designed intuitive step-by-step workflows with visual cues

Technologies: Android UI/UX Material Design

Challenge

Data security and patient privacy compliance

Solution

Implemented encryption and secure data handling protocols

Technologies: Android Security Data Encryption

Project Impact

150+
Users
Reduced screening time by 40%
Improved healthcare delivery in rural drug shops

Detailed Project Documentation

Background & Context

The Drug Shops Mobile Application was developed as part of a healthcare digitization initiative in Tanzania. Drug shops (known locally as “Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets” or ADDOs) serve as crucial healthcare access points in rural and underserved communities, often being the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care.

Problem Statement

Traditional drug dispensing practices in these outlets lacked systematic screening protocols, leading to:

  • Inconsistent assessment of patient conditions
  • Potential misdiagnosis of serious conditions
  • Inadequate documentation of patient interactions
  • Limited ability to track health outcomes

Solution Approach

The application implements evidence-based screening protocols specifically designed for non-clinical healthcare workers. It provides:

  1. Structured Assessment Workflows: Step-by-step guidance for evaluating different patient demographics
  2. Danger Signs Detection: Automated flagging of symptoms requiring immediate medical attention
  3. Treatment Recommendations: Safe drug dispensing guidelines based on assessed conditions
  4. Data Collection: Comprehensive patient interaction logging for health system monitoring

Technical Implementation

Architecture Overview

The application follows a modular architecture built on the OpenSRP platform:

  • Client Layer: Android application with offline-first design
  • Data Layer: Local SQLite database with cloud synchronization
  • Business Logic: Configurable decision trees for clinical protocols
  • Integration Layer: APIs for health system integration

Key Features Implemented

Patient Registration & Management

  • Unique patient identification system
  • Demographic data collection
  • Visit history tracking

Clinical Decision Support

  • Age-appropriate screening protocols
  • Symptom-based assessment trees
  • Automated risk stratification

Inventory Management

  • Drug stock tracking
  • Expiry date monitoring
  • Dispensing history

Reporting & Analytics

  • Patient outcome tracking
  • Drug utilization reports
  • Health trend analysis

Development Methodology

The project followed an agile development approach with:

  • Iterative design sessions with healthcare workers
  • Regular field testing in actual drug shops
  • Continuous feedback integration from end users
  • Compliance validation with national health protocols

Impact & Results

Since deployment, the application has demonstrated:

  • 40% reduction in patient screening time
  • 95% user adoption rate among trained dispensers
  • 150+ active users across multiple regions
  • Improved patient safety through standardized protocols

Lessons Learned

  1. User-Centered Design: Extensive field research was crucial for creating intuitive workflows
  2. Offline Capability: Reliable offline functionality was essential for rural deployment
  3. Training Integration: Success required comprehensive user training programs
  4. Stakeholder Engagement: Early involvement of health authorities ensured regulatory compliance

Future Enhancements

Planned improvements include:

  • Integration with national health information systems
  • Advanced analytics and predictive modeling
  • Telemedicine consultation features
  • Multi-language support for broader deployment