An assessment of Trinidad & Tobago’s health information system readiness

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: (i). The establishment of a baseline of Trinidad & Tobago’s Health Information System (HIS) status; (ii). The promotion of a common and comprehensive understanding of the HIS among all stakeholders; (iii). The identification of existing strengths and weaknesses of the HIS; and (iv). The identification of priority areas for improvement. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using the Version 4.0 of the WHO’s Health Metrics Network Assessment Tool three (3) Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) were evaluated. The scoring scheme was based on a system of “0” to “3”. “0” meaning “not prepared at all” and “3” meaning “fully prepared”. Interviews were conducted with County Medical Officers of Health, Medical Chiefs of Staff, Executive Medical Directors, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Managers and Public Health Observatory Heads. RESULTS AND FINDINGS: The results indicated that the lowest scores were assigned to data management (48%) and resources (49%), both classified as present but not adequate. Dissemination and use (53%), information products (58%) and data sources (61%) were found to be adequate. HIS indicators were found to be highly adequate (76%). CONCLUSION: The main areas of weakness in Trinidad and Tobago’s current HIS readiness were Data Management and Resources, while Indicator status was its greatest attribute.