Barbados public sector modernisation programme - digital transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Introduction

This project improves healthcare provision in Barbados´ principal acute care medical facility, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The Hospital had 519 beds and 2 400 staff as of 2023. In that same year, the Accident and Emergency Department delivered emergency care to about 45 000 patients, and the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department received some 50 000 requests and referrals.

Objectives

The digitalisation project of the Hospital aims to improve governance standards, improve data quality and interoperability of protocols, integrate health information systems, and strengthen capacity building. This transformation shall improve the quality of clinical services by providing safe, effective, timely and integrated patient-centred care benefitting 45 000 patients per year, while increasing staff satisfaction. 

Project activities

Project activities include:

• The provision of digital connectivity and interconnectivity infrastructure;
• The upgrade of computer hardware;
• The procurement of an on-site data centre;
• The digitisation of patient information.

Results

The project is expected to deliver:

• Increased adoption of the digital channel to access public services while increasing the reliability of data;
• Improved efficiency and quality of health care (shorter wait times for emergencies and improved scheduling, adherence to clinical protocols, automated checks for potential drugs interactions, and reduced risk of errors).

Implementing partner

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)