The Ministry of Health hosted a four-day training workshop on National Health Information Systems, last week, with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
A Health Information System is the manner in which data is collected from health and other sectors, how it is analyzed to ensure overall quality, relevance, and timelines, while converting that data into information for health-related decision making.
National Health Information Systems consultant for PAHO, Deneice Marshall, said the assessment of the country’s health information systems will lead to improvements in service.
“The workshop comprises of both public and private sectors in the Health Information Systems department. We’re looking at procedure using a tool called the Health Metrics Network to assess the current state of the systems in Saint Lucia. Coming out of the workshop, we going to look at how we can better strengthen the tools, resources and skill sets of the workers in the various departments.”
The Department of Health and Wellness has recognized the importance of accurate and timely health information to health policy planning and practice, and ultimately health outcomes. Health Planner in the Ministry of Health, Lauren James will help guide the department’s strategic health plan.
“This assessment is timely, in light of the fact that we are now rolling out our information systems both at the primary care and hospital levels. The assessment looks at different areas such as resources indicators, data management, data sources and data quality. It will determine what our current capabilities are, our strengths, our weaknesses, and our gaps. It will also fit into our new strategic plan which we are undertaking this year.”
The last health systems assessment was conducted over 10 years ago.
The 2018 training workshop on National Health Information Systems was held at the Bay Gardens Hotel, and commenced on May 28.
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