Emergency health centre locator system

Abstract

This report presents the development and evaluation of the Emergency Health Center Locator System, a mobile-based application aimed at enhancing access to emergency medical services in Uganda specifically the areas within Kampala metropolitan. The system targets the most business parts of the city given that this is where most health emergencies arise from because of its busy and highly populated nature. The system was developed in response to persistent challenges faced by individuals during medical emergencies, such as delays in locating nearby health facilities, lack of timely communication with healthcare providers, and limited access to accurate facility information particularly in low-connectivity areas. The application leverages GPS-enabled location services, integrated with the Google Maps API, to identify and display the nearest emergency health centers on an interactive map. Users can view health center details such as name, address, services offered, and contact information. In critical situations, the app allows patients or caregivers to trigger emergency alerts with a single click, sending real-time notifications via email or SMS to designated health providers or emergency responders. Additionally, the system offers offline access to previously retrieved data, ensuring usability even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. The backend was developed using Python with the Django framework, and PostgreSQL was used for data storage. The frontend was built with React Native, providing a responsive and cross-platform mobile user interface compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Security measures, including authentication and data encryption, were incorporated to ensure user privacy and data integrity. A user-centered design approach guided the development process, supported by data gathered through questionnaires and document reviews involving healthcare providers, emergency responders, and patients. The system was tested through User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with 30 participants, and results showed high satisfaction with the application’s functionality, usability, and effectiveness in reducing response time during simulated emergency situations. In conclusion, the Emergency Health Center Locator System demonstrates potential to transform emergency healthcare delivery in Uganda by providing timely, location-based support to patients and streamlining communication between users and healthcare providers. The report also highlights current system limitations, such as dependence on internet connectivity for some features, and proposes future enhancements including real-time ambulance tracking and integration with national health databases.