RENFREW — June 1 marks the 365-day countdown to a new electronic health record that will feature integrated and enhanced access to health information and services and result in an improved patient experience. This will be accomplished with the implementation of the Epic Health Information System.
The project involves a collaboration between partner organizations—Renfrew Victoria Hospital, St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Hawkesbury and District General Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital Academic Family Health Team, and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
“Considering our existing links with The Ottawa Hospital and The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, one integrated electronic system for managing patient information, charting across specialties, and managing physician documentation makes sense for our patients, staff and physicians,” said Randy Penney, CEO of Renfrew Victoria Hospital and St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
While the investment is significant, the benefits for patients, as well as staff and physicians are far reaching.
“We are at the forefront of complete electronic charting that will provide seamless integration between the Atlas Alliance partners allowing our patient base the best of connectivity and integrated healthcare,” said Lisa Wherry, Manager, Medical Imaging, Renfrew Victoria Hospital and a ‘Readiness Owner’ of the project.
For patients, access to the most up-to-date, integrated records will ensure coordinated care, informed decision making, and improved outcomes regardless of where the patient receives care.
Through Epic’s MyChart function, patients will be able to view their lab or radiology results as well as having access to education materials so they can become active partners in managing their health.
Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers will be able to quickly and efficiently look up information on people’s medical history, pre-existing conditions, medications, and more. This will improve clinical outcomes, minimize risk, increase efficiencies, harmonize medical best practices, and better manage population health.
The project is currently in the ‘adoption’ phase with the remaining steps of testing and training taking place over the next 12 months.
“The Epic Hospital Information System represents a shift in our culture that aims to keep patients at the centre of care in a digital environment. At Go-Live in June 2019, we will be able to offer our patients the highest standard of seamless care!” says Tim Sonnenburg, CFO at RVH and SFMH.
