Running head: USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

The Use of Information Technology in

the Health Sector in Jamaica

Everton King

University of Technology
USES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

Abstract

This paper highlights four published articles that report on the use of Information Technology

in the Health Sector in Jamaica. The articles varied based on how each used information

technology with major uses arising in Electronic Health (e-Health), Health Information

System (HIS) and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS). Shearer (2008) stated that HIS is

necessary worldwide when it comes to decision-making and provision of accurate and

reliable data on health related issues. Other articles from Halsall (2019) and Campbell (2018)

both discussed the impact of e-Health in the retrieval of patient information as well as

transfer of patient data between health professionals. This paper also showcase Tufton (2019)

research in relation the Laboratory Information System project that enables to transfer of lab

results, additionally, there is improvement in the laboratory workstations to improve

efficiency.
USES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

Use of Information Technology in the Health Sector in Jamaica

Health Information Systems (HIS) are critical to decision- making across the health

sector. Shearer (2008) stated that accurate reliable information available in a timely fashion

enables prioritizing or health problems, health policy formulation, governance, research,

human resource management and financing. The growing importance of cost analyses and

cost-effectiveness analyses argues for better HIS in the Caribbean (1–3). In this issue of the

Journal, the paper by Cunningham-Myrie on hospital-based information systems in four

countries draws attention to existing deficiencies and to the broader matter of HIS.

There are four key functions to a health information system – data generation, compilation,

analyses and synthesis, and finally, communication and use – perhaps the most important

function. Information is of no value if it is not available in a format that meets the needs of

the user. Limited access and use diminishes the value (7). When data/ information goes up

but rarely comes down, data collectors are less likely to appreciate the value of their work.

Electronic health records no doubt make input and retrieval of patient information

easier and provide for better continuity, ease of access, and increased standards of care. This

can be further enhanced with a dictation and transcription solution Halsall (2019). There is no

doubt to the merits of these systems. They save time, they save effort, they improve workflow

and they assist with medical workers’ burnout by reducing the need to do further

documentation after work hours – which tend to even pile up for days The good thing about

these solutions is that most are able to consider accents and are ‘smart’ in terms of being able

to continuously learn about the user’s speech pattern, style and commonly used words and

phrases Halsall (2019). They also store the audio for a specific time if there is need to double-

check accuracy of transcription. Undoubtedly, speech to text documentation makes the

process at least three times faster as the medical professional has no need to wait on
USES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

information to be written – there are some with speeds of 160 words per minute. The

consultation can proceed without interruption while the software documents the doctor’s

notes as he proceeds Halsall (2019).

Additionally, Tufton (2019) reviewed a project called the Laboratory Information

System (LIS) Project, this Project has been funded by the CDC/PEPFAR with the objective

of improving the efficiency and quality of the Laboratory Services at the National Public

Health Laboratory. It involves the use of the Disa*Lab software which enables the

transmission of verified lab results to workstations established in clinical areas at the

Kingston Public and Victoria Jubilee Hospitals as well as the Comprehensive Health Centre.

The implementation is approximately 95% completed Tufton (2019).

Similarly Campbell (2018) made a report on Electronic Health (e-Health) which

enables transfer of patient data between several health care professionals by way of health

records. Requests for diagnostic tests and treatments are electronically done and results are

obtained by similar route. It is not surprising that most health institutions and more than one

million people in Estonia possessed and utilised e-documents. Medical data are online and

include services such as e-laboratory, e-consultation, e-prescriptions, digital images, drug-

drug interaction services, e-referral, and e-ambulance. Noteworthy, is that over 70 per cent of

prescriptions in Estonia are sold by e-Health. While these options are available to users,

opportunities exist to network, create virtual health care teams, and collaborate with other

team members. Users may also access support systems and standards which ensure delivery

of quality health care services.

 USES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

References

Campbell, A. (2018, February 4). e-Health in the J'can public health system: Where are

we? Jamaica Observer. Retrieved from http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/the-agenda/e-

health-in-the-j-8217-can-public-health-system-where-are-we-_124346?profile=1096

Halsall, D. (2019, April 7). Health Tech | Complementary Technology In Health. The Gleaner.

Retrieved from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190407/health-tech-

complementary-technology-health

Shearer, D. E. (2008). Health information systems in the Caribbean: time for attention. West

Indian Medical Journal, 57(4). Retrieved from https://westindies.scielo.org/scielo.php?

pid=S0043-31442008000400001&script=sci_arttext

Tufton, C. (2019, December 8). Health Informatics. Retrieved from

https://www.moh.gov.jm/divisions-agencies/divisions/technical-services-division/health-

informatics/.
USES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE HEALTH SECTOR