To achieve this, the process was to be transferred into a web application interface as part of a new, customized software solution. The functional scope includes, on the one hand, the
development of three input masks. On the other hand, the following features were desired for optimal use of the application.
• Show/hide fields
• Individual adjustment of field sizes according to content
• Auto-completion of complex medical terms
• Download of the form with entered values as PDF
• Saving the entered values in a database
• Login via Azure Active Directory
These requirements were implemented by the digatus team, consisting of a project manager and a software developer.
Client: Pfennigparade
Founded as a civic movement to combat the polio epidemic, Pfennigparade today supports people with physical disabilities and other impairments in all life situations and is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
The foundation employs around 2500 staff members divided into 80 services and facilities in and around Munich with the primary goal of an inclusive society where people with and without disabilities live together easily and inspire each other. This goal is to be achieved through support for more self-determination and participation in all areas of life. This support ranges from education/work to housing/leisure to health.
In the therapy area, the patient data findings system is intended to simplify work in a supporting role and thus make a small contribution to achieving the goal.
Initial Situation and Challenges in Digital Patient Administration
Pfennigparade manages patient master data and findings with outdated software based on MS Access, which is operated by a single person. Patient examination results are recorded in three different findings: occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy findings. The main requirement was therefore to create information and operational security.
Challenges included, for example, the clear presentation of evaluation criteria and a self-explanatory, to some extent intelligent user interface, so that employees could work directly with the web application without training time and input errors could be largely considered and improved.
At the beginning of the project, an initial list of requirements with desired features was developed in close coordination with the client, which were indispensable for a proof of concept and a first MVP (Minimum Viable Product). The existing PDF template of the occupational therapy findings was used as an initial orientation. The feedback and client wishes expressed here could be incorporated into 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 TypeScript programming language and the Angular framework for the front-end, and C# and the .NET Framework for the backend.
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.
Due to the large number of evaluation criteria in a finding and the fact that not all criteria are evaluated in every patient appointment, individual areas of the findings can be hidden and thus do not need to be filled out. Already processed areas are closed and improve the clarity of the page.
To relieve the therapists and save time, many fields are already initially filled with values. For example, the “Finding Date” field is automatically populated with the current date including time. The name of the therapist is also automatically requested from the Active Directory and inserted into the findings.
Once the therapist has completed the medical report, the patient data is stored in a database and a PDF is automatically generated. The data is now centrally located and can be accessed at any time. This can also be an advantage in the future when it comes to tracking a patient’s medical history. For example, if an existing report only needs to be slightly modified, it can be retrieved and adjusted at the appropriate place.
If a patient is treated repeatedly, the input mask automatically loads the data from the patient’s last report. This way, the therapist only needs to adjust the fields where the patient’s values have changed and doesn’t have to fill out everything anew.
Another feature is the suggestion of previously used words. The main idea here was to save the therapist from the cumbersome typing of long diagnostic-related terms. The application ‘remembers’ words that have already been entered and suggests them via autocorrect.
Customer Benefits
By developing the application interface, digatus was able to contribute to significantly simplifying 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, the employees of Pfennigparade have more time to focus on what’s essential – the patients.
Patient data is sensitive information and subject to strict data protection guidelines. The Pfennigparade Foundation can now control access to the application in a fine-grained manner via Azure user groups. This means that only individuals who are actively granted access through their Microsoft account have access to patient data. This practically eliminates unauthorized access.
Furthermore, storing patient data in a database allows insight into temporal changes in patients’ health, enabling the application to also function as a kind of development report and medical history.
By using collapsible and hideable areas, the focus is always kept on the open area, making the page appear more organized rather than ‘filled to the edge’.
"In digatus, we have found a partner with whom we can discuss our special requirements on an equal footing and also develop customized solutions. Throughout the project, the colleagues from digatus were always approachable, cooperative, and committed."
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Our team works for the sustainable success of national and international medium-sized companies and corporations.
We use our know-how specifically to find pragmatic solutions for current technological challenges together with our customers, to establish modern processes, and to make companies sustainably fit for future requirements in an increasingly digitalized world.
