There is no final implementation date for the integrated health information management system (IHIMS), which will automate several functions within the public healthcare system at a cost of $18.39 million.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), announced the "design start" of the IHIMS during a launch event at St. Joseph's Parish Hall.
In August of last year, the PHA contracted Allscripts Healthcare Solutions in partnership with Infor Lawson to provide proprietary software for an IHIMS.
Allscripts Liaison Executive Patrick Dougherty told Guardian Business that, "It is a staged approach, and because there is so much content to build, we haven't set a final date."
Given the imminent launch of National Health Insurance (NHI), Minister of Health Dr. Perry Gomez previously said an aggressive plan will be put in place to ensure the implementation of IHIMS in the shortest time frame.
Dougherty added that over the next 12 to 18 months, a series of events will take place in order to build on content and design for the software.
He also said that a pilot test for the new system will be performed within the 12 to 18-month period.
During his contribution at the event, Dougherty said over the next few months, the system would be designed, built and ultimately validated.
The new system will replace the PHA's current Keane Insight System and integrated public health information system (IPHIS) system, which is operated by the Department of Public Health.
Some functions that would be automated as a result of the IHIMS include patient access and identity management, patient accounting, health information management, materials management, general financials including supply chain management modules and the emergency department information system.

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