AMMAN, JORDAN – A public demonstration of "Hakeem," Jordan's National E-Health Program, was made at the Prince Hamzah Hospital on Tuesday.

The demonstration, part of the nation's pilot healthcare transformation program that was announced in December 2008, showcased the hospital's use of its VistA open source clinical and healthcare information management system and computerized patient record system (CPRS).

Hakeem is managed by the Jordanian non-profit Electronic Health Solutions, with technology implementation and integration provided by Plano, Texas-based Perot Systems.

Highlights include system functionality, including a graphic user interface developed specifically for the program; electronic medical records showing the holistic electronic patient record, which clinicians can access daily; interaction between the different modules of the system in different departments including lab, pharmacy, radiology and imaging; and barcode medication administration (BCMA) to improve patient care and safety.

"Today's pilot in Jordan, to provide a modernized, integrated healthcare system across the country, may well become the pilot for the rest of the region," said Ghassan Al-Lahham, chief executive officer of Electronic Health Solutions. "Learning from Perot Systems' past experiences, we have been able to avoid many of the pitfalls as we blend the best of technology and the best of medicine for the benefit of our people."

The project goes hand-in-hand with an educational program built around VistA's technical and clinical processes, with the goal of allowing Jordan to become self-sustainable in managing its health management information system and offering this system to neighboring nations, said officials.

"Today we can see the launch of King Abdullah II's vision of healthcare modernization across the Kingdom of Jordan, which will provide for the highest quality of healthcare available for our people," said Rami Farraj, chairman of Electronic Health Solutions. "The new technology will provide a seamless journey of care for patients through our healthcare system, from doctors' offices to clinics to hospitals. This is an historic moment for healthcare in Jordan."

The Amman Comprehensive Clinic and King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan are expected to roll out the new technology next.

"From the outset this project has been one of the most exciting clinical transformation initiatives in which we have participated globally," said Kevin Fickenscher, executive vice president of strategic initiatives for Perot Systems' healthcare group. "His Majesty's vision is serving as a cornerstone for how nations can work together to meet the needs of people not only across the region but throughout the world."

"Utilizing the VistA Electronic Health Record and a vast array of customized technology solutions, the implementation should deliver improved clinical outcomes for the citizens of Jordan," he said.