Information Systems for Health: Lessons Learned and After-Action Review of the Implementation Process in the Caribbean, 2016–2019

Abstract

This publication reviews the work of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) with the countries of the Caribbean subregion and assesses the lessons learned to extend successful strategies and avoid obstacles. It also illustrates the shared achievements of the Caribbean subregion in advancing information systems for health (IS4H) and lights the way ahead on this shared journey. To identify key lessons for the future, this after-action review discusses four questions about the collective work done: What was expected to happen? What really happened? What went well and why? What can be improved and how? In the past four years, PAHO has provided support for IS4H strengthening through actions and strategies in collaboration with countries under the IS4H strategic framework. The IS4H initiative was created with the vision of implementing universal access to health and universal health coverage in the Region through the strengthening of interconnected and interoperable information systems that assure effective and efficient access to quality data, strategic information, and ICT tools for decision-making and well-being. The vision and leadership of the Member States in the Caribbean have contributed to the strengthening of IS4H for the entire Region of the Americas. PAHO remains keenly aware of the importance of strong national and regional information systems for health in reaching the targets of the Sustainable Health Agenda for the Americas 2018–2030.