QuestMark

QuestMark is an open source framework for developing Android applications which are capable of generating graphical interfaces, after a synchronization process, based on DHIS2 data and metadata.

QuestMark is not an app but a framework to build an app.

QuestMark (QM) aims to provide a new Android platform to NGOs, research organisations, international consultants, and other data warehouse server developers. QM translates DHIS2 concepts into intuitive processes covering the following key functions: Data Collection (e.g. for Malaria Case Surveillance apps), Monitoring and Evaluation (e.g. for Quality Assessment Tools) and Logistics Management Information System (e.g. for per-clinic stock control). This is accomplished by relying on the combination of a modular system and a clean internal architecture to properly separate the responsibilities of the different pieces. QuestMark is an open source framework for developing Android applications, which are capable of generating graphical interfaces after a synchronization process, based on DHIS2 data and metadata.

EyeSeeTea started developing QuestMark back in 2015 in the context of the PSI HNQIS project. Afterwards, Save the Children Myanmar and the University of Oslo also contributed. There is a growing community of volunteers involved in the project.

Why QuestMark?

Non-experts can find it difficult to optimize and interact with DHIS2 servers. Furthermore, in many low and middle-income countries, field workers can be functionally hard of reading. Isolating users from this complexity is a crucial aspect in order to reach communities that may be able to provide very important and critical feedback.

Many organisations all over the world share common problems when collecting data and statistical analysis. Therefore, developing these applications in a flexible manner offers a great opportunity to reuse, improve and extend them. QuestMark makes data collection and quality assessment tools accessible for everyone and facilitates easy designing and implementation of new applications.

QM is open source, so developers from target countries can be part of the development.

User-friendly experience
Reduced costs through a cooperative approach
Quality improvement by shared testing.
Community empowerment
Quality improvement by shared testing.
Possibility to use multiple backends apart from DHIS2
Abstract the user from complex concepts

QuestMark variants

A QuestMark Variant (QMV) is a custom configuration of the QM framework. A QMV is composed of modules which can implement some screens/layouts or just provide an specific functionality. The structure of a QMV is defined in a configuration file which allows integrating the desired modules and screens in the app. We have developed already four variants for different collaborators:

MTT Malaria Case Surveillance. A version to monitor malaria cases for Angola.
Save the Children Malaria Case Surveillance for Myanmar. This QMV integrates other functionalities like a stock control module automatically calculated from the malaria cases and a treatment-aid system.
PSI Malaria Case Surveillance for Laos & Cambodia. PSI has implemented in Laos & Cambodia different versions of an image-driven application to report malaria cases in near real time.
PSI HNQIS. This quality assessment variant helps to efficiently allocate resources where and when they are needed most. PSI assesses the quality of care offered by his partners mainly in African countries but also in Asia and Latin America.
PATH EDS. PATH has implemented an Electronic Data System (EDS) based on DHIS 2 for Data Collection and Quality of Care Assessment

QuestMark modules

The currently available modules and screens are:

Core Modules:

Extension Modules:

In the longer term, we intend to expand the functionality of the platform to include new modules and features such as hybrid technologies modules (combining web and Android technologies), delay tolerant networks capabilities (allowing synchronization between mobile devices) or module installation on-the-fly (installing new plugins to your existing application).

Tech highlights

Years of Development

Applications

Modules

Lines of Code