To do this, the process was to be transferred to an application interface on the web as part of a new, individual software solution. The range of functions includes the
development of three input masks. On the other hand, the following features were desired for the best possible use of the application.
• Showing/hiding fields
• Individual adjustment of the size of the fields depending on the content
• Auto-completion of complicated medical terms< br />• Download the form with the entered values as a PDF
• Save the entered values in a database
• Login via Azure Active Directory
These requirements were met by the digatus team implemented by a project manager and a software developer.
Customer: Pfennigparade
Founded as a citizens’ movement to combat the polio epidemic, Pfennigparade today accompanies people with physical disabilities as well as other impairments in all walks of life and celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
The foundation employs around 2,500 people divided into 80 services and facilities in and around Munich with the decisive goal of an inclusive society in which people with and without disabilities live together in an uncomplicated manner and inspire each other. This goal is to lead to more self-determination and participation in all areas of life through support. This support ranges from education/work to housing/leisure and health.
In the area of therapy, the patient data reporting system is intended to simplify the work in a supporting role and thus make a small contribution to the achievement of the goal.
Initial situation and challenges in digital patient administration
The Pfennigparade manages patient master data and findings with outdated software based on MS Access, which is managed by a operated by a single person. Examination results of the patients are recorded in three different findings: ergotherapeutic, physiotherapeutic and logopedic findings. Above all, the requirement was to create information and operational security.
Challenges were, for example, the clear presentation of the evaluation criteria and a self-explanatory, Intelligent user interface to a certain extent, so that employees can work directly with the web application without any training period and input errors can be largely taken into account and improved.
At the beginning of the project, an initial list of requirements with feature requests was drawn up in close cooperation with the customer, which were indispensable as a proof of concept and for a first MVP (minimum viable product). The already existing PDF template of the occupational therapy report was used as a first orientation. The feedback and the customer requests expressed in this regard could be included in the development of the other input masks due to the similarity of all three findings. The project was completed by replacing the old process and thus putting the new application into operation.
Solution
The technologies used for the project were on the one hand the programming language TypeScript and the framework Angular for the front end and on the other hand C# and the .NET Framework for the back end.
In order to implement the requirements in the best possible way and thus make the commissioning of the application as uncomplicated as possible, the following solution approaches were chosen.< /p>
Due to the large number of evaluation criteria for a finding and due to the fact that not all criteria are evaluated in every patient appointment, individual areas of the findings can be hidden and therefore do not have to be filled out. Areas that have already been edited are closed and improve the clarity of the page.
To relieve the therapists and to save time, many fields are initially filled with values. For example, the “Date of Findings” field is automatically filled with the current date including the time. The name of the therapist is also automatically requested from the Active Directory and inserted into the report.
Once the therapist has completed the report, the patient data is saved in a database and a PDF is automatically generated. The data is now in a central location and can be called up at any time. This can also be an advantage in the future when it comes to tracking a patient’s medical history. If, for example, an existing finding is only to be changed slightly, it can be called up and adjusted at the appropriate point.
If a patient is treated again, the input mask automatically loads the data from the patient’s last finding. The therapist only has to adjust the fields in which the patient’s values have changed and does not have to fill in everything again.
Another feature is the suggestion of words that have already been used. The main idea here was to spare the therapist the tedious task of typing long diagnostic-related terms. The application “remembers” words that have already been entered and suggests them using autocorrection.
Customer benefits
By developing the application interface, digatus was able to help significantly simplify the process of patient data administration. Implemented features, such as pre-filling fields or suggesting frequently used terms, ensure enormous time savings. As a result, Pfennigparade staff have more time to focus on what is most important, the patient.
Patient data is sensitive data and is subject to strict data protection guidelines. Pfennigparade Foundation can now control access via the application in a fine-grained manner using Azure user groups. This means that only people who are actively guaranteed access via their Microsoft account have access to patient data. This virtually eliminates unauthorized viewing.
In addition, storing patient data in a database enables insight into changes in patients’ health over time, which means the application can also function as a kind of development report and medical history.
By using collapsible and hideable areas, the focus is always kept on the opened area, which makes the page look not “filled to the brim”, but rather clearly divided.
"In digatus, we have a partner with whom we can discuss our special requirements at eye level and also develop individual solutions. During the project, the digatus colleagues were always approachable, cooperative and committed."
We are digatus!
As an IT service group, we offer all core elements of the digital value chain from a single source, from consulting projects to software development and IT operating scenarios.
Our team works for the sustainable success of national and international medium-sized companies and Corporations.
We use our know-how in a targeted manner to work together with our Finding customers pragmatic solutions for current technological challenges, establishing modern processes and making companies sustainably fit for the future requirements of an increasingly digitized world.
