CHAPTER FOUR

SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 INTRODUCTION

System implementation is the phase where the design is translated into a working software application.
It involves deploying the developed system into a real-world environment, configuring it for operational
use, and ensuring it performs as intended. This stage includes writing and compiling code, setting up
databases, installing on user systems, rigorous testing, and finally rolling out the system for use.
Implementation is crucial because the actual benefits of the system are realized only when users begin
interacting with it.

In the case of the Hospital Management System (HMS) for the emergency unit of Niger Delta University
Health Centre, implementation was approached methodically, ensuring all functionalities—ranging from
patient registration to emergency handling—were effectively configured and tested.

4.2 SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY FOR SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

The proposed HMS was implemented using widely accepted web technologies to ensure compatibility,
ease of maintenance, and scalability. The system follows a three-tier architecture comprising the
presentation layer, logic layer, and data layer.

 Presentation Layer: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript form the front-end technologies, ensuring a
responsive and user-friendly interface for all users (admin, doctors, patients).

 Application Layer: PHP was used as the primary server-side language to manage application
logic, data exchange, and secure operations.

 Data Layer: MySQL serves as the relational database management system to store and manage
patient records, appointments, and emergency data.

Other supporting technologies include:

 AJAX: For asynchronous data fetching without refreshing the page.

 Bootstrap: For responsive web design and layout styling.

 jQuery: To simplify JavaScript operations and DOM manipulation.

4.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES USED

 PHP: The primary backend scripting language, responsible for data handling, authentication,
session control, and interaction with the MySQL database.

 HTML5: Used to structure web pages and forms in the system.

 CSS3: For styling and layout customization to improve the user experience.

 JavaScript: Provides client-side interactivity such as validation and dynamic content rendering.

 SQL: Used within MySQL to define the structure of databases and execute queries.
4.4 DATABASE FOR SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

A robust database system was essential for the HMS due to the volume and sensitivity of data. The
MySQL database is structured using multiple interrelated tables based on a well-defined ER-model. The
structure ensures data normalization, referential integrity, and quick access.

Key Tables:

 Patient Table: Stores biodata, contact details, and gender.

 Doctor Table: Holds names, specialization, and login credentials.

 Appointment Table: Manages dates, status, doctor-patient associations, and emergency flags.

 EmergencyCase Table: Tracks priority level, arrival time, and current status of emergencies.

The Entity-Relationship (ER) and Relational Diagrams are available in Chapter Three, detailing
relationships such as one-to-many between patients and appointments.

4.5 SCREENSHOTS OF THE SYSTEM

Screenshots have been included to provide visual evidence of the developed system’s interface and
functionalities.

 Figure 4.1: Login Interface

 Figure 4.2: Admin Dashboard View

 Figure 4.3: Emergency Request Form

 Figure 4.4: Patient Registration Page

 Figure 4.5: Appointment Scheduler

[Insert all relevant screenshots here. Include captions and figure numbers.]

4.6 SYSTEM INSTALLATION

The installation process for the system is as follows:

1. System Requirements: Ensure your device supports XAMPP or any LAMP stack equivalent.

2. Download Project Files: Copy the project folder into the htdocs directory within XAMPP.

3. Start the Server: Launch Apache and MySQL through the XAMPP control panel.

4. Database Setup: Open phpMyAdmin and import the hospital_db.sql file to create necessary
tables.

5. Launch Application: Access the system by navigating to localhost/hospital-system via your

The installation process takes under 10 minutes and can be replicated in both local and intranet
environments.
4.7 SYSTEM TESTING AND EVALUATION

Testing is a critical phase that ensures the system works as intended. It involves identifying bugs,
performance bottlenecks, and functional failures. Several tests were conducted:

 Unit Testing: Each individual module (login, emergency submission, appointment scheduling)
was tested.

 Integration Testing: Modules were connected and tested to ensure data flowed accurately and
securely.

 System Testing: A full run-through of all functionalities under normal and stress conditions.

 User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Feedback was collected from doctors, nurses, and
administrative staff who interacted with the system in a simulated environment.

The test results indicated 98% functionality success, with only minor interface improvements
recommended.

4.8 TOOLS FOR SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

The implementation process involved the following development and deployment tools:

 XAMPP Server: Used to simulate a web server locally.

 Visual Studio Code: The primary IDE used for code editing and version control.

 phpMyAdmin: For graphical database management.

 Browsers: Chrome and Mozilla Firefox for responsive testing.

 Git: Used for version control and collaborative development.

 Trello: Used for project management and tracking development tasks.

4.9 SYSTEM SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

The software required for the successful installation and operation of the HMS include:

 Operating System: Windows 10/11, or Ubuntu Linux 20+

 Web Server: Apache HTTP Server 2.4+

 Database Server: MySQL Server 5.7 or later

 Browser Support: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge

 PHP Version: Minimum version 7.4

 Text Editor: Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text

 Package Installer: XAMPP or equivalent LAMP/WAMP stack