Navigating health from traditional to digital: Full digitalization of work process in Bauang, La Union 

We came together for Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Bayang Malusog Community of Practice, uniting nine areas: Aklan, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Biliran, La Union, Laguna, Northern Samar, and Quezon. Fostering collective learning to drive forward Universal Health Care (UHC) and a healthier future for all Filipinos, let us look into the story of Bauang, La Union.

A well-established integrated health information system (iHIS) is a vital factor to effective healthcare delivery as it provides accurate, comprehensive, and timely health information that are essential for assessing community needs, planning interventions, and evaluating programs.

In 2022, the municipality of Bauang, La Union underwent a comprehensive digitalization which revolutionized its healthcare delivery system. Spearheaded by dedicated professionals, Bauang has fundamentally reshaped the way patients receive care in the municipality. By 2023, the entire system had gone fully digital, marking a significant milestone in the healthcare system of Bauang.

Digital Transformation of Bauang’s Healthcare System

Trained by the Development Bank of the Philippines-Data Center Inc. (DBP-DCI) in July 2022, the team revamped its healthcare system, transitioning to a Windows-based platform and achieving full digitization. By scaling up digitization efforts and improving the capabilities of primary care providers, Bauang has harnessed available electronic medical record (EMR) technology to revolutionize healthcare delivery. Collaborating closely with EMR developers, the platform has been continuously improved to address the specific needs of Bauang. The technical improvements, such as the queue tab, were coupled with process improvements like utilizing routing slips for consultations, which enabled the RHU to categorize patients based on priority – whether they are elders or in need of immediate treatment. The platform co-created with the Bauang LGU also helped establish the province’s referral system, where patients from RHUs needing higher level medical care were endorsed to referral facilities or apex facilities using the platform, ensuring continuity of care and efficient management of patient records.

Similarly, other advanced features were developed: access to laboratory and radiology instructions and results, which helps healthcare providers access crucial diagnostic information in real-time; a medication tab, where prescriptions are inputted and helped streamline the prescription process and  ensured easy access to details and instructions for better medication management. This was further complemented by acquiring digital diagnosis equipment, such as the portable ultrasound scans that improved the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. 

The EMR platform also helped facilitate the transmission of patient information for processing Konsulta payments, benefiting eligible patients and simplifying administrative processes. Financial transactions within the healthcare system have also been streamlined since the EMR system also provides for a comprehensive platform that integrates PhilHealth Electronic Konsulta Availment Slip (eKAS) and Electronic Prescription Slip (ePresS) functionalities.

Community Health Initiatives and Workforce Training

Beyond individual patient care, Bauang is also committed to community health initiatives. Quarterly assessments of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were conducted and services to barangays without internet access through the GABAY program were extended. Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) were also trained to use EMR for Konsulta and referral purposes, which further strengthens local health infrastructure, capabilities, and capacities of its health workforce. 

This resulted in significant improvements in patient care by streamlining consultations, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and optimizing medication management. In 2023 alone, Bauang provided consultations to an impressive 24,233 patients, highlighting the impact of its innovative healthcare approach. 

Furthermore, the integration of the EMR system enables timely decision-making through comprehensive Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) reports, while interoperability with eKonsulta and referral systems ensures accurate reporting to PhilHealth and seamless transitions between healthcare facilities. Through the generation of FHSIS reports, Bauang continuously evaluates and improves its healthcare delivery, ensuring programs remain responsive to the needs of its community.

To address internet connectivity issues, Bauang utilized paper-based intake of patients, prioritizing service delivery over implementation convenience. 

Bauang’s full digitization of healthcare processes is a testament to its leaders’ commitment in overcoming technological, funding, and capacity challenges to provide the best possible health services and programs to their constituents.