Table 1.

Pros and cons of using OpenMRS for Estudio Epi

Advantages	Disadvantages
• Large user base and support team	• Workflow originally designed around clinical care rather than research
• Modular architecture simplifying the addition of new functionality and version control	• Required custom code for data exports to SAS
• Many modules and functions already built	• Required modification of form entry tools for double entry of data
• Support for open standards for data coding and exchange such as HL7, ICD [17], SNOMED [18], LOINC [19]	• Setup for a new study usually requires some programming
• Open source software
• Good data security and auditing functions
• Modules available to link to mobile phone software
• Can be used online or offline
• Potential to have major impact in resource poor environments given existing wide use for clinical care and reporting