Frugal digitization of analog video endoscopic medical records in a Kenyan rural medical center

Background: Digitization of healthcare data has led to widespread healthcare transformation. This has been enhanced by the availability of new technologies at lower costs. Video recording can improve the quality of care, provider skills, education, and patient follow-up. However, limitations such as the risk of litigation, patient privacy, and poor legal framework have curtailed adoption. Rural hospitals have older analog equipment due to limited financial resources. Objectives: This study aims to present an alternative low-cost option. Methods: We present an economical method of recording and digitizing endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures performed on analog video processing towers. We showcase a video of the step-by-step procedure that involves connecting a digital video home system (VHS) video recorder to an analog Olympus endoscopy machine (Model CV-100) and transferring media via a portable storage device to an electronic medical record database. Conclusion: Using simple home video recording devices provides a low-cost solution to creating digital records from analog video endoscopic machines. The technique, however, creates additional steps to the endoscopy process and the need for capacity building of the endoscopist. Patient consent forms should cover video creation. Medical centers should have a robust information management system to securely store and retrieve digitized video records.