Niagara Health's new Hospital Information System aims to enhance patient care

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA HEALTH
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This weekend, Niagara Health and Hotel Dieu Shaver are set to begin using a new, advanced Hospital Information System (HIS) designed to improve how we deliver care. This significant and secure move to a state-of-the-art system is set to enhance coordination, efficiency and access to information, ultimately making patient care faster and safer.

As we move to the new system, scheduled to Go-Live early on Saturday morning, patients may experience some delays as our teams adjust. During this transition, our online Emergency Department (ED) wait time clock will be temporarily offline for a minimum of two weeks to allow for integration into the new system. To support patients during this time, we will have volunteers in our EDs to assist with any questions and provide guidance, allowing our staff and physicians to remain focused on patient care. 

Here are five ways Niagara Health’s new HIS will enhance patient care

After more than two years of planning, Niagara Health’s journey to replace paper records and outdated electronic systems with a new HIS is finally here.

“The transition to the new HIS will be a major and exciting shift for Niagara Health, which will help us improve our efficiency and most importantly, patient care,” says critical care physician Dr. Natasha Ovtcharenko.

The HIS is designed to simplify managing patient information, leading to safer, quicker and more personalized healthcare. It is a vital element to support Niagara Health’s delivery of modern, world-class healthcare services. It is going to improve how staff and physicians do their jobs, and also benefit patients and families. 

Easy access to health records

Healthcare teams will have immediate access to complete patient medical records, including their conditions, medications, allergies and past visits — all in one secure system. This means faster informed care decisions to ensure the right treatment is given at the right time.

Safer patient care

With clear, accurate information at their fingertips, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of errors, enhancing patient safety and reliability in treatment.

No more deciphering handwritten notes or searching through piles of paper charts. The new HIS provides clear, accurate information to healthcare professionals and patients, reducing the risk of errors.

This helps protect patients from misunderstandings related to prescription orders or even overlooked allergies, ultimately leading to safer, dependable care. Patient safety is our first priority. 

Eliminate the need to repeat your health story

There will be one source of truth for patient records, allowing for more focused and personalized interactions.

“Centralizing all patient documentation and data will make a significant impact in prescriber efficiency, giving us more time to spend with patients,” says Dr. Ovtcharenko.

With the new HIS, there’s one comprehensive record of a patient’s health history. Medical information, test results and prescriptions are securely stored and available to the entire care team. Patients do not need to retell their story at every visit, saving valuable time for healthcare providers and putting the focus on personalized care. 

Improved communication and patient empowerment

Patients will have new digital tools to easily manage their healthcare journey.

“At the heart of care is caring. Our new HIS supports caring with modern electronic tools that augment safety, communications, workflows and decision-making,” says Dr. Rafi Setrak, Regional Chief of Emergency Medicine.

Patients will be able to stay connected in their healthcare journey with better communication. They can book, change, register or check appointments virtually, view clinical information, access education materials and, in collaboration with other Niagara Health digital tools, securely communicate with their care team. This will make it easier for patients to share essential information and ask questions, allowing them to understand and take control of their health. 

Better, data-driven care

Real-time insights from the new system will drive improvements to patient outcomes and help us refine clinical practices.

“Looking into the future we will have the ability to capture point-of-care data which can be used for quality improvement projects that advance practice outcomes,” says Dr. Helen Caetano, Chief of Surgery.

Knowledge is power and the new HIS leverages the power of data to inform clinical direction. By analyzing trends and accessing real-time insights, healthcare teams can make informed decisions precisely tailored to each individual, ensuring they provide the best possible care.

The HIS is being developed by a dedicated team of over 150 experts, who are implementing this transformational change with valuable input from various advisory committees and working groups.

While preparing for the launch, teams across Niagara Health are undergoing comprehensive training to master the new system. This innovation represents more than just a digital tool; it is a significant advancement in enhancing patient care in Niagara.

As with any new technology, there is potential for delays to the launch. We are on track for this Go-Live and our teams continue to work tirelessly to make sure it will go smoothly and on schedule. However, we are prepared to make any necessary real-time decisions to the Go-Live date and time, should there be any serious patient safety concerns. While we've prepared thoroughly, we are asking patients and visitors for patience and understanding as our teams become familiar with the new system. We want to thank patients and the community for their support as we make this historic transition and we appreciate the dedication, flexibility and patience of our staff and physicians during this important transition.

Learn more about the HIS here.

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