Introduction of information and communication technologies in havana polyclinics: phase one evaluation.

Introduction: Information and communication technologies were introduced in community-based polyclinics as a result of a Cuban health system policy to make information more readily accessible to health professionals and other health workers at the primary health care level.

Objective: Assess phase one of the Program to Introduce Information and Communication Technologies in Primary Health Care (PICT-PHC), as implemented in Havana, and in particular to determine the aspects of structure, process and outcomes with the greatest impact on this phase’s effectiveness.

Methods: From May to October 2003, an assessment was carried out in all Havana community-based polyclinics where phase one of the Program was underway.