Healthcare systems informatics: the impact of implementing a hospital information system in Trinidad and Tobago

Background: Hospital Information Systems have shown the potential to enhance the clinical workflow and improve the administrative process with the delivery of healthcare that improves patient access to the quality of healthcare. However, despite its many benefits, barriers with the adoption still hinder a successful implementation in Trinidad and Tobago.

Objectives: This research investigated factors that influenced the implementation of a Hospital Information System in Trinidad and Tobago and explained the potential implications with the quality of service, transfer of patient information and hospital management.

Methods: Four case studies on three hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago were conducted. Data were collected via interviews with technology staff, administrative staff and healthcare systems Vendors between the periods of June 2021 to May 2022. The case studies were examined in the context of relevant literature on the subject.

Results: The findings found the implementation of a hospital information system could provide numerous benefits in the quality of patient healthcare however; the complexity of the system has never seemed to live up to its true potential. The finding found that factors impacting its adoption where based around service quality, user satisfaction and clinical administration. Organizational decision making also impacted its adoption to infrastructure issues, user training and technical human resource constrains.

Conclusion: The implementation of a hospital information system goes way beyond adopting technology as a tool. Leadership is required in all areas with its adoption in users taking ownership. It is imperative that Hospital Management maintain its service contracts and work together with end-users and System Vendors in order to address any of the potential barriers for improved adoption. The study adopted its theoretical perspective from the DeLone and McLean (2003) IS Model as a consolidated framework in addressing the complexity of healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago.