Guyana Hosts Regional HEARTS Quality Improvement Workshop to Strengthen Cardiovascular Care Across the Caribbean

This Regional Quality Improvement Workshop aims to further advance these achievements by strengthening quality improvement practices and building a regional community of practice to enhance collaboration and share experiences across the Caribbean. The workshop brought together 60 participants, including physicians, nurse managers, regional health staff, and quality improvement officers, along with representatives from PAHO, the Ministry of health and Caribbean countries such as Anguilla, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Belize, and Suriname. Through collaboration and shared learning, participants explore strategies to overcome implementation challenges and accelerate progress under the Better Care for Noncommunicable Diseases Initiative.

"This HEARTS Quality Improvement Workshop was designed not only to strengthen technical knowledge, but also to help primary healthcare teams identify practical changes that can improve care in their own facilities. The strong participation from all ten regions of Guyana and several Caribbean countries reflects a shared commitment to making hypertension care, and its expansion toward integrated cardiovascular, renal and metabolic care, more accessible, systematic, patient centered and results oriented. We are especially encouraged by the enthusiasm of the Ministry of Health and primary healthcare teams to adopt the HEARTS Quality Improvement Model, beginning with a nationwide self-assessment," Dr. Londoño added. Leaders have emphasized the importance of translating knowledge into action and delivering patient-centered care. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, underscored the need for meaningful engagement with patients, stating, "You have to invest some time in talking to people, educating them, getting them to understand why this is important," highlighting the critical role of communication in improving adherence and outcomes.

PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, reaffirmed the importance of the initiative, noting that "HEARTS should serve as the main vehicle for addressing chronic noncommunicable diseases, while creating opportunities to integrate other priority conditions into primary care." As Guyana continues to expand and strengthen the programme, these efforts are being advanced with the continuous support of PAHO/WHO to build a more resilient health system and improve cardiovascular health outcomes nationwide.