Human factors for capacity building: lessons learned from the OpenMRS implementers network.

OBJECTIVES: The overall objective of this project was to investigate ways to strengthen the OpenMRS community by (i) developing capacity and implementing a network focusing specifically on the needs of OpenMRS implementers, (ii) strengthening community-driven aspects of OpenMRS and providing a dedicated forum for implementation-specific issues, and; (iii) providing regional support for OpenMRS implementations as well as mentorship and training. METHODS: The methods used included (i) face-to-face networking using meetings and workshops; (ii) online collaboration tools, peer support and mentorship programmes; (iii) capacity and community development programmes, and; (iv) community outreach programmes. RESULTS: The community-driven approach, combined with a few simple interventions, has been a key factor in the growth and success of the OpenMRS Implementers Network. It has contributed to implementations in at least twenty-three different countries using basic online tools; and provided mentorship and peer support through an annual meeting, workshops and an internship program. The OpenMRS Implementers Network has formed collaborations with several other open source networks and is evolving regional OpenMRS Centres of Excellence to provide localized support for OpenMRS development and implementation. These initiatives are increasing the range of functionality and sustainability of open source software in the health domain, resulting in improved adoption and enterprise-readiness. CONCLUSIONS: Social organization and capacity development activities are important in growing a successful community-driven open source software model.

Prevalence of proteinuria and the development of chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients.

AIMS: HIV-related renal diseases are increasingly prevalent and are associated with proteinuria and rapid progression to end-stage renal failure. Early treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and ACE inhibition may prevent the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but studies evaluating the epidemiology of proteinuria and early CKD in HIV-infected patients are lacking. METHODS: All consecutive patients at Wishard Memorial Hospital (Indiana University) whose initial HIV documentation occurred from 1990 to 1998, were retrospectively studied using a computerized medical record system. Clinical data were abstracted from time of first HIV documentation through 12/31/2000. The proportions of patients who developed CKD (doubling of serum creatinine from an initial level < or = 1.5 mg/dl) and who had proteinuria (> or = 1+ protein on the first urine dipstick after HIV documentation) were calculated. Case mix and laboratory variables at the time of HIV documentation were compared between those who did and did not develop CKD and between those who had and did not have initial proteinuria. RESULTS: Of 487 subjects with initially normal renal function, 10 (2% (95% CI, 1-4%)) developed CKD. In univariable analysis, black race, a diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension and proteinuria were all significantly associated with the development of CKD; 89 (29% (95% CI, 24-35%)) of 289 evaluable subjects had > or = 1+ proteinuria on urine analysis. Multivariable regression revealed only older age (OR 1.08 per year increase; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14) to be associated with proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: A small, but potentially clinically meaningful proportion of HIV-infected patients develop CKD, and there appears to be a high prevalence of proteinuria on the first urine analysis obtained after HIV documentation.