Open Smart Register Platform (OpenSRP) is a software system designed for Ministries of Health to transition from paper registers to digital patient systems, to empower health providers to manage the health of their populations with decision-support and data monitoring in-line with WHO recommendations.

OpenSRP is a open-source and standards-based community health information software system that complements and adds value to other “global good” digital health information systems, including medical records systems (OpenMRS), health management information systems (DHIS2), logistics information systems (OpenLMIS), and messaging platforms (RapidPro) that are often deployed at scale. OpenSRP modernizes the ubiquitous paper client registers and logbooks, enabling health workers to account for services and track the health of their patient population.

In an era of resource constraints and rising expectations for health systems to achieve universal health coverage, frontline community- and facility-based health workers will need to play an increasing role in ensuring populations have access to essential primary care services in their communities.

The tasks of uniquely identifying and registering populations; screening, assessing, and managing patients; and accounting for services received and missed are widely expected of all health providers, who must rely on archaic paper systems. Time spent on paperwork undermines the quality and coverage of essential services, increasing frustration with disconnected bureaucratic systems.

Additionally, governments struggle to supervise this large workforce; ensure data quality and timeliness of reporting; and guarantee appropriate and equitable care under low-resource conditions. OpenSRP is a software “Global Good” designed by WHO and a global community of partners, to address each of these issues by delivering a comprehensive point-of-care digital system based on global WHO clinical guidelines, which integrates with a country’s existing health information systems and architecture.