Medical coders complete training

THEY are small in numbers, but have the ultimate task of ensuring the accurate and timely compilation of Grenada’s health data, which tells the epidemiological profile and future direction of the country.

Recently, seven staffers of the Ministry’s Epidemiology & Health Information Unit (EHIU) attached to
the Medical Records, General and Princess Alice Hospitals, and the Registrar General’s Department, were awarded certificates for having successfully completed eight weeks of Mortality Coding training.

They were trained by one of the most experienced and sought after medical records clerks in the Caribbean, Grenadian Angela Paul-Joseph.

Mrs. Paul-Joseph, who is a senior officer within the EHIU, throughout her career, was exposed to many years of training in and outside of Grenada, and in recent times facilitated a series of training workshops, teaching her colleagues the methods and codes used in their field of work.

In addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, Mrs. Paul-Joseph reminded them of the consequences of inaccurate coding practices, noting that it can have serious adverse effects on the country at the local, regional and international level.

“So it is fundamentally important to get it right, at all levels.

“And in order to do so, you must understand the process and stick to your deadlines. Therefore, I want to encourage you to keep practising because it is the only way you will be able to do an effective job,” she told the participants.

During the ceremony, Health Minister, Sen. Ann Peters, and Permanent Secretary, Isaac Bhagwan, commended Mrs. Paul-Joseph and the participants for the job they have been doing while at the same time acknowledging that their job may appear simple, but it’s a rather significant function.

They both shared sentiments that the train-ing, if put into practice, will positively impact Grenada’s health data as it is of vital importance for the proper planning and implementation of programmes at the national level.

In June of this year, the Ministry of Health held a similar training seminar for doctors employed by the Ministry. Last week Thursday’s ceremony was the first in a series of in-house coding seminars to be organised by the Ministry.