We developed the Reports app for the OpenMRS platform using the O3 framework. This app allows OpenMRS users to easily generate and schedule available reports within the system.

What is OpenMRS and the O3 framework?

OpenMRS (Open Medical Record System) is an open-source medical record management system used to store and manage patient data. It is utilized in many healthcare facilities around the world and offers a platform for managing medical records in a secure and efficient way.

O3 is a modern frontend framework for OpenMRS that enables the creation of applications and user interfaces in a more intuitive and modern way. With O3, OpenMRS users benefit from applications built using the latest technologies, which are easier to manage and customize.

What business problems does the OpenMRS Reports app solve?

The Reports app was created in response to a clear need for better reporting tools within the OpenMRS ecosystem. It addresses common pain points and was designed to solve a number of UI-related business problems.

The importance of UI modernization

Adopting a modern user interface brings benefits that go far beyond just looking better. It transforms how users interact with the system on a day-to-day basis.

Here’s what a modern UI brings to the table:

• Intuitive design – Simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve, even for users with limited technical skills.
  
• Improved accessibility – Makes the system easier to use across various devices and environments.
  
• Responsive layout – Ensures smooth operation on both desktop and mobile, adjusting dynamically to screen size.
  
• Clear visual hierarchy – Helps users quickly locate key information and complete tasks without confusion.
  
• Reduced cognitive load – Streamlined design minimizes distractions, which lowers the chance of user errors.
  

It all results in an increased productivity, faster workflows, and a much more satisfying overall user experience.

UI modernization for Reports O3

This modernization bridges the gap between existing backend features and a more attractive, user-friendly presentation, making critical information readily accessible even on mobile devices. 

In essence, the Modern UI transforms a previously outdated interface into a dynamic, efficient tool that supports quicker decision-making and boosts overall productivity – making it an integral part of the O3 framework’s value proposition.

Here are the key OpenMRS reports improvements:

• Easy and intuitive way to generate reports.
• Reports tracking – simple way to check who executed which report, when it was executed and what is the status of each execution.
• Increased efficiency: 
  • Running reports automatically at specified intervals – reduces administrative overhead and ensures reports are generated regularly without manual intervention.
  • Batch download feature allows users to download multiple reports at once, saving them time and effort. Instead of downloading reports individually, they can get all required reports in a single action.
• Providing all mentioned functionalities described above for the O3 framework which were not previously supported by O3.

The Solution

We achieved the above enhancements by designing and developing the Reports app for OpenMRS using the modern O3 frontend framework. Here’s what the new module offers:

Report Execution table

The main screen of the app where users can see the history of reports executed in the system. The table displays the following information: report name, execution status, the user who triggered the report, date of execution, output format, parameters with values used to run the report. The last column contains buttons for downloading, preserving and deleting the report.

Run Report

Users can trigger new reports by clicking the Run reports button which opens the side panel visible on the above screenshot. After selecting a report and filling in any required parameters, users click Run to execute the report, which then appears in the report execution table.

Multiple downloads

Users can select any number of reports he wants and download them all with one click. 

Scheduled Reports

After clicking the Report schedule button the user is redirected to the page where they can configure automatic report generation at specific time intervals. Reports can be scheduled to run periodically, saving time and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Edit scheduled report panel

Benefits of implementation

Implementing the Reports app has had measurable impacts on productivity and user satisfaction:

• Improved work efficiency: Automating report generation and managing them in one place significantly speeds up work processes and minimizes the risk of errors associated with manually triggering reports.
• Better data organization: With a centralized report repository, users can easily track report histories and quickly find the information they need.
• Quick access: The batch download feature helps users save time by enabling them to download multiple reports simultaneously.
• Seamless O3 integration: This module fills a key functional gap in the O3 framework, offering reporting features that align with modern design and performance expectations.

Want to try it yourself?

Reports app is available on the official OpenMRS development server. 

If there are no reports added there and you don’t want to add them yourself, you can also check Connect for Life demo server where some test reports have been added.

Have fun!