Digital Health Applied Research Center (DHARC) is an established center under the College of Health sciences, suited in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) which is a Public university that is situated in Juja, 36 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, along the Nairobi-Thika Super-Highway, off Exit 15. It offers courses in Technology, Engineering, Science, Commerce, Management and Building sciences. The university has a strong research interest in the areas of Biotechnology and Engineering. It’s ranked the most preferred University in Kenya for three years in a row,
The DHARC center was sponsored by USAID. This took place through DHARC’s first project HIGDA project; project that focused on Health Informatics Governance and Data Analytics.
As a leader in our industry, we have always worked to develop advanced technology and innovative methods. The interoperability DHARC center, provides operators and developers of eHealth systems as well as processes with a powerful state-of-the-art infrastructure for testing the quality, interoperability, networking, security, scalability and optimization of electronic health systems even the before first practical use and launch onto the market with-in the healthcare sector.
DHARC Development
DHARC is an open-source software development environment for;
- Project Scheduling and Management
For invited HIS expert to share industry experience and collaborate with the students by leverage on DHARC specialized ICT assets and students’ innovation.
- Training
With customized content for mentorship for in person and online training regarding digital health technologies, standards all designed for speed and high-impact learning.
- Teaming
We invite HIS expert to share industry experience and collaborate with the students by leverage on DHARC specialized ICT assets lab and students’ innovation.
- Tooling
We develop and support open-source software components and platforms that help 3rd party software solutions to be implemented based on standards of eHealth interoperability profiles.
- Consulting
Work with industry players in various sectors within the health domain.
Vision
To excel in the training of Health Records & Information Management professionals for the country’s development needs.
Mission statement
To produce leaders in training, research and innovation in the field of health records and information management to support the JKUAT vision and mission to suit the needs of a dynamic health sector.
Functionality
DHARC is slated to play a crucial role in providing the evidence necessary for operationalizing Kenya’s national HIS blueprint, while supporting wide-scale implementation of interoperable solutions based on its policies and protocols.
Objective
The principle objective of the centre is to create an environment for sharing knowledge and experiences around innovative digital health tools for interoperability.
The objectives of the Courses in HRIM Programme are to prepare graduates, by means of theoretical, practical, and clinical instruction applied in health information management to;
- Develop the ability to respond to the changing informational needs of the patient, the providers of health care, researchers and educators.
- Acquire awareness of the technologies and equipment affecting information storage and retrieval and to develop the ability to utilize these resources appropriately.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history and evolution of health records and information management with particular emphasis on current and future developments in the profession.
- Acquire an understanding of the current scope and responsibilities of health records and information management and its relationship to other professions.
- To equip graduates with knowledge and skills necessary for effective research in health information management.
- To mainstream GIS and data visualization in health records and information management for better policy and decision making
Goal
Improve the national and county level health sector’s organizational and management capacity in health informatics, health governance, health data analytics and visualization, monitoring & evaluation an of health systems and finally learning.
Core values
Quality, teamwork, professionalism, innovation, dynamism, accountability and integrity.
Target
DHARC targets direct entry applicants or any other equivalent qualifications recognized by University Senate in relation to health.
Philosophy
The program is anchored on the philosophy of enhancing access to quality, well-trained health professionals for improved service delivery in the health sector.
DHARC Security and Privacy controls
DHARC has established physical, logical, and administrative controls that protect data from unauthorized disclosure, access, and use, as per the standard operating procedures and in adherence to the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2013.
The has a selective data governance committee whose roles and responsibility are to provide stewardship in data privacy and security.
The center has set principles that govern the following areas;
- Use Case Approach
Principle of a use case approach is suggested as DHARC’s business model for engaging the eHealth stakeholders, so as to address the challenge of complexity of eHealth related requirements.
- Preservation of Information
The principle of preservation of information in the context of the eHealth domain calls for preservation of medical records and medical information held in an electronic format.
Reusability
We shall therefore promote the sharing of health solutions, concepts, frameworks, and specifications with interested parties. Such will be clearly documented on a case by case within the intellectual property agreement -IPA.
Upcoming events
Digital End to End Report Launch
A report on assessing the use of digital tools for COVID-19 management in the country was unveiled. August 5, 2021, in Nairobi. Dr. Amoth receives the report from Prof. Karanja…
Boda-Boda Project Dr. Patrick Amoth receives findings of the study from Prof. Simon Karanja (2nd left). Looking on Prof. Joseph Mathu Ndung’u (right) and Principal COHES, Dr. Reuben Thuo (left).…
JKUAT Maps Diagnostic Testing Services in Kisumu, Nyeri for UHC -Diagnostic Network Optimization
JKUAT Maps Diagnostic Testing Services in Kisumu, Nyeri for UHC Enhancing Key Diagnostic Services in Kenya for universal health care The JKUAT-DHARC team on 5th July 2022, Launched the UHC…
Mobile Diagnostic Lab in Mombasa – BIONEAR CAREPOD
The First Mobile Diagnostic Laboratory in Mombasa County to support routine and surveillance Diagnostic Services The JKUAT-DHARC team and the Mombasa CHMT team The JKUAT-DHARC team led by Prof Simon…
Enhancement of access to COVID-19 & TB simultaneous screening, COVID-19 testing using Ag-RDTs and linkage to care in selected Counties in Kenya via CHV led door-to-door testing and health facility…
Diagnostic Network Optimization To Enhance Primary Health care
Launch of the UHC Tracker to Enhance Healthcare Access Prof. Simon Karanja hands over the report of the project to Ag. Director General, Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth. Looking…
Mobile Laboratory Transform Healthcare in Mombasa County
Healthcare in Mombasa County In the heart of Mombasa County, a remarkable transformation is taking place. The introduction of the Bionear mobile diagnostic laboratory has ushered in a new era…
DHARC-JKUAT Team Tours the Revital Healthcare EPZ Limited Factory in Kikambala, Kilifi County
DHARC-JKUAT Team Tours the Revital Healthcare EPZ Limited Factory in Kikambala, Kilifi County The JKUAT COHES Research team (DHARC) led by Prof Simon Karanja, visited Revital Healthcare EPZ Limited, a…
A Case for eHealth in Strengthening Kenyan Healthcare System
Strengthening Kenyan Healthcare System JKUAT College of Health Sciences (COHES) through the Digital Health Applied Research Centre (DHARC) organized a College Hall Meeting bringing together industry players, Ministry of Health…
JKUAT Develops System that Predicts Covid-19 Infection Trends in Kenya
Covid-19 Infection Trends in Kenya From left: Dr Ngigi of GEGIS, Dr. Mungatu of SMS, Prof. Wamunyokoli of SOBMS, Mr. Muriuki of GEIGIS, Ms. Gichaiya of ICT, Dr. Aduda of…
News
Launch of the UHC Tracker to Enhance Healthcare Access
Diagnostic Network Optimization Report Launch on 22nd August 2023 at Norfolk the Fairmont, Nairobi Prof. Simon Karanja hands over the report of the project to Ag. Director General, Ministry of…
Devolved Testing Project Launch
Enhancement of access to COVID-19 & TB simultaneous screening, COVID-19 testing using Ag-RDTs and linkage to care in selected Counties in Kenya via CHV led door-to-door testing and health facility…