The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A TRIPARTITE observational study is being undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) aimed at improving health care services at the Rand Memorial Hospital/Grand Bahama Health Services.

The eight-week study, described as being the first of its kind in the Caribbean, will follow the patient from admission to discharge in the hospital and Outpatients Specialty and General Practice Clinic via a Patient and Provider Survey.

The hospital officials saidon Friday the objective is to determine the level of patient satisfaction in their experience with clinicians and staff, and the quality of service provided.

According to a press release, it is anticipated that the evidence-based study would provide quantitative data to facilitate the necessary interventions to direct plans for the desired improvements in the service rendered.

The study includes a specifically designed survey that will be facilitated by multidisciplinary cadre of health care workers. The data is captured digitally in encrypted form and will be held in confidence.

The transformational observation study was designed by Dr Desiree Cox, Professor, Principal investigator at the Ministry of Health, and Dr Calae Phillippe, Consultant, Co-ordinator, Principal Investigator, Ministry of Health. Also contributing to this new development is Ms Else Van Schijndele, PAHO representative responsible for health systems development.

Hospital officials described the launch of the study as “historic” for the health care industry in The Bahamas.

Dr Cox indicated that the study is unique and the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Hospital administrator Sharon Williams had launched the new initiative on May 12, which is in keep with her vision to improve services at the Rand and clinics that fall under the management of the PHA in Grand Bahama.