OpenCRVS

Jembi

OpenCRVS is an advanced technology solution that facilitates interoperability between systems, leveraging the Open Health Information Mediator (OpenHIM) interoperability layer. It enables efficient and standardized data exchange, following Rapid Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) and is compatible with OpenHIE. Available as a desktop, mobile and web application, it focuses on records management and data interoperability. Designed for resource-limited settings, OpenCRVS seeks to ensure universal civil registration and promote informed decision-making in any national context. Its implementation in Bangladesh, in collaboration with key government entities, has demonstrated its ability to significantly improve civil registration systems, ensuring that no one is left behind and strengthening the foundations for inclusive public policies.

The central challenge that OpenCRVS addresses is the lack of a unified, universally accessible system for civil registration that can operate efficiently in diverse administrative frameworks and low-resource environments. Millions of individuals, particularly at birth, are not recognized, leaving them without legal protection or entitlement to state services and rights. This gap in registration also makes it difficult to collect accurate demographic data, which is crucial for informed government planning and resource allocation.

Offline & low connectivity working: OpenCRVS works offline and with low connectivity, always telling users what is going on. It allows users to download applications one by one so that the system is not overloaded, and keeps them updated on the progress of the action they have chosen. Real-time deduplication: To improve data quality, OpenCRVS uses an advanced matching algorithm (powered by Elasticsearch) to identify duplicate entries in the system. The system then automatically prompts the Registrar to review possible duplicates before registration. Form's usability: Use of award-winning design patterns ensures that the product is user-friendly and assists in high-quality data entry. Users are presented with one question per page to easily guide them through the form and their interaction with the applicant. Workqueues: To make registration staff's work easy, the workqueue is the default view, showing vital event records at various statuses, including those ready for review, and showing higher priority applications first. Each user type has its own workqueue view to reflect its roles and responsibilities. Secure Device Access: To protect data and privacy, a PIN must be entered each time the user accesses the application. Once a week an additional 2-factor authentication is required, including a code being sent via SMS to the registration agent. Multi-language: OpenCRVS supports multiple languages, which can be selected by the user on login and anytime they are using the application. Performance management: The OpenCRVS management view provides a suite of service-level data, enabling managers at different levels to monitor key performance indicators and address variations in performance. System configuration: OpenCRVS is configurable through the user interface by a System Administrator. This allows the system to be quickly and cheaply setup and tested, so that full requirements can be identified. Record Audit: A history of all user actions on vital event records is stored and can be viewed by authorized users. Protecting Personally Identifiable Infomation: Only authenticated users with the required permissions can access vital event records and users do not have access to PII unless they “download” the record. Once an authorized user has accessed the full record the system logs this as an action, which is then fully audited. Available on any device: OpenCRVS works across any device, including tablets and mobile phones, supporting service delivery by field agents at the community level. Feedback on application status: To ensure that customers always know what to do next, status updates are provided to Informants by SMS, setting clear service delivery expectations.

Integrates health and civil registration data using FHIR, an HL7 standard, to ensure interoperability with health systems. Connects technical systems via standard FHIR APIs, enabling the exchange of registration events. Extends the FHIR model with custom codes to suit the civil registration context. Employs Webhooks following the WebSub standard to facilitate interoperability. Uses JSON I18N standards and ISO language codes for internationalization. Secures applications with two-factor authentication and OAuth JWT.