Patient movement day offers a unique opportunity for clinicians to take a practical look at what in-patient journeys will look like in Connect Care.
All physicians, prescribers, nurses, allied health and other staff are encouraged to attend. They can see and learn about how complex patient movements are coordinated with clinical information system (CIS) tools and workflows. Morning demonstrations illustrate how Connect Care will facilitate the sequence of events that must occur for patients to flow safely and efficiently from emergency to ward, critical care, surgery, diagnostic imaging and other investigation and intervention venues. In the afternoon, drop-in practice centers (including a physician practice center) allow participants to dig deeper, view more specific workflows, ask questions and practice different patient movement scenarios.
Wave 1 Patient Movement Day occurs Wednesday September 18, 2019 from 08:30 to 16:00, with scenario explorations and demonstrations in the morning and practice activities in the afternoon. A more detailed agenda will follow, allowing physicians to focus on the transitions most relevant to their practice.
2019-08-07
Training Milestone - First MD Cohort Completes Basic Training
We are delighted to see the first group of Wave-1 physicians complete their basic training!
12 paediatricians worked with a physician trainer and 2 physician super users to progress through a curriculum customized to their typical workday, work setting and clinical tasks. The training environment worked well and everyone was able to progress through the planned tasks. All participants were appropriately allocated the right Connect Care applications. And it was clear that physicians training physicians is appreciated.
Of course, we noted ways in which the experience could be improved. The trainers' learnings are summarized, shared and used to tweak the next set of training sessions.
In particular, we are very aware of some challenges with the MyLearningLink learning management system. The recommended self-directed modules are not filtering correctly, with the result that physicians see all possible modules when checking "Required Courses", not the ones that pertain to their track. We are putting together supplementary QuickStart guides to help the next wave of trainees to pick out what matters most.
Huge thanks to our first participants, and to the Connect Care training team. We're finding our stride!
12 paediatricians worked with a physician trainer and 2 physician super users to progress through a curriculum customized to their typical workday, work setting and clinical tasks. The training environment worked well and everyone was able to progress through the planned tasks. All participants were appropriately allocated the right Connect Care applications. And it was clear that physicians training physicians is appreciated.
Of course, we noted ways in which the experience could be improved. The trainers' learnings are summarized, shared and used to tweak the next set of training sessions.
In particular, we are very aware of some challenges with the MyLearningLink learning management system. The recommended self-directed modules are not filtering correctly, with the result that physicians see all possible modules when checking "Required Courses", not the ones that pertain to their track. We are putting together supplementary QuickStart guides to help the next wave of trainees to pick out what matters most.
Huge thanks to our first participants, and to the Connect Care training team. We're finding our stride!
2019-08-06
Connect Care Clinical Inquiry Newsletter
We've previously posted about how Connect Care in-system inquiry tools can help AHS grow as a learning healthcare organization.
The Connect Care Clinical Inquiry Newsletter offers an excellent way for those interested to keep updated about developing capabilities, supports and processes related to clinical inquiry. There are many applications, including personal practice reviews, quality assurance, quality improvement, clinical research and process optimization.
The Newsletter releases monthly. For those interested in the same content via shorter but more frequent communications, subscribe the Clinical Inquiry Blog.
With our current emphasis on training, change management and readiness, the Newsletter is full of great information about courses, webinars and emerging key contacts.
2019-08-05
Physician Resources Listing Updated
Befitting the size and complexity of Connect Care, the volume and variety of communications grows exponentially as launch grows closer. Not all are of direct relevance to prescribers.
This (bytes.connect-care.ca) and other Connect Care communication channels for physicians can help. We highlight new and important topics, briefly, daily. Those who want to know more can link-out to single-page summaries ("Byte") and, from there, more detailed resources.
Not all physicians have the same Connect Care needs. Focused communication channels can help. Accordingly, we have started messaging for different listening styles and contexts. One new channel focuses on the needs of physicians who will not be using Connect Care as their record of care. Another focuses on physicians pursuing informatics opportunities.
A user-to-user peer support forum is part of our launch plans. We've set this up and are figuring out how to make it work well for those who value that kind of interaction. And we continue to work on a new physician manual to make key user-oriented documents readily available on mobile platforms. The physician handbook will focus on the more detailed information needs of super users, trainers, power users, builders and designers.
We will continue to summarize current and emerging links at resources.connect-care.ca (recently updated).
This (bytes.connect-care.ca) and other Connect Care communication channels for physicians can help. We highlight new and important topics, briefly, daily. Those who want to know more can link-out to single-page summaries ("Byte") and, from there, more detailed resources.
Not all physicians have the same Connect Care needs. Focused communication channels can help. Accordingly, we have started messaging for different listening styles and contexts. One new channel focuses on the needs of physicians who will not be using Connect Care as their record of care. Another focuses on physicians pursuing informatics opportunities.
A user-to-user peer support forum is part of our launch plans. We've set this up and are figuring out how to make it work well for those who value that kind of interaction. And we continue to work on a new physician manual to make key user-oriented documents readily available on mobile platforms. The physician handbook will focus on the more detailed information needs of super users, trainers, power users, builders and designers.
We will continue to summarize current and emerging links at resources.connect-care.ca (recently updated).
2019-08-02
Connect Care for outside Connect Care
The Connect Care "Non-AHS Community Physician Advisory Group" gathers together stakeholders interested in Connect Care but not anticipating using Connect Care as their record of care. NACPAG has been active for a number of months and has already facilitated impactful analyses, consultations and recommendations. Above all, they have worked to improve communications about how Connect Care links with diverse provincial health informatics initiatives.
NACPAG supports its own blogging channel (bridges.connect-care.ca), where a newsletter series has been initiated. We encourage interested physicians to subscribe by following the instructions linked on the blog home page.
NACPAG supports its own blogging channel (bridges.connect-care.ca), where a newsletter series has been initiated. We encourage interested physicians to subscribe by following the instructions linked on the blog home page.
2019-08-01
Medical Error - How big is the problem?
We approach the 10 year anniversary of publication of the Institute of Medicine's report, "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System," with growing awareness that health information systems can both prevent and contribute to medical error.
Where Safety relates to freedom from unacceptable risk, eSafety relates to freedom from unacceptable risk associated with the development, implementation and use of health information systems.
There have been great advances in our understanding of health safety, with many Canadian Patient Safety Institute facilitated initiatives now protective in health care facilities. We are also more measured in our understanding of patient safety, even recognizing that we may have over-estimated some risks. A recent healthydebate article explores the thinking.
What is Connect Care doing about patient safety and eSafety?
Where Safety relates to freedom from unacceptable risk, eSafety relates to freedom from unacceptable risk associated with the development, implementation and use of health information systems.
There have been great advances in our understanding of health safety, with many Canadian Patient Safety Institute facilitated initiatives now protective in health care facilities. We are also more measured in our understanding of patient safety, even recognizing that we may have over-estimated some risks. A recent healthydebate article explores the thinking.
What is Connect Care doing about patient safety and eSafety?
- eSafety Framework
- Clinical System Design (CSD) is informed by an eSafety Framework developed and adopted at the beginning of Connect Care.
- User Interface Review
- Emerging clinical content is tested against an eSafety Checklist to avoid known interface and informational risks. Experienced human factors specialists facilitate this work.
- Workflow Review
- Human Factors also facilitates a detailed, click-by-click, review of common and complex workflows to ensure that no new interface, information or interaction flaws increase risks.
- Safety Incident Reporting
- The AHS safety reporting system is integrated with Connect Care, enabling users to report near-misses and other events without breaking workflows.
- eSafety Tracking
- Safety incident reporting and tracking now includes specific characterizations for errors directly or indirectly related to information system use.
- Embedded Problem Reporting
- Users are able to report, from within Connect Care information flows, aspects of their Connect Care experience that might contribute to error or safety.
We'll share more specifics as clinicians make their way through training and enhance our eSafety vigilance.
2019-07-31
Connecting for Continuity
Continuity of Care is about a patient and provider healthcare experience that is coherent, connected, coordinated and consistent with patient goals.
Connect Care will go a long way towards bringing continuity to healthcare in Alberta. Its integrated clinical information system (CIS) will replace most of the >1,300 health information systems currently in place across Alberta Health Services (AHS) and affiliated organizations. When fully implemented in late 2022, the CIS will be used by all providers where AHS is accountable for the record of care.
A variety of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) facilitate primary and specialty healthcare where Connect Care is not the record of care. Without ways to bridge these information spaces (CIS and EMR), continuity is broken.
One bridge is provided by Alberta's provincial Electronic Health Record, Netcare, which aggregates key health information and makes it available to authorized providers. Netcare is improved when Connect Care deploys because it gains a wider range of information from a single, standards-based, CIS source.
Another bridge is provided through "eDelivery" of health information from Connect Care and Netcare to Alberta EMRs. This too is improved with Connect Care. More information in a more consistent format is easier for EMRs to capture and organize.
Two new initiatives promise even better connections. AHS, the Alberta Medical Association and Alberta Health are promoting two-way health information sharing between EMRs and Netcare through "Community Information Integration" (CII) and a "Central Patient Attachment Registry" (CPAR). These allow patients to be linked to a medical home, and for that home to share information with Netcare. The CII will extend sharing to include the CIS in 2020 and CPAR will both inform and be informed by what happens where Connect Care is the record of care.
Working together, Alberta's CIS, EHR, EMR, CII and CPAR help to defragment the health information space; bringing continuity to Albertans' experience of healthcare.
Connect Care will go a long way towards bringing continuity to healthcare in Alberta. Its integrated clinical information system (CIS) will replace most of the >1,300 health information systems currently in place across Alberta Health Services (AHS) and affiliated organizations. When fully implemented in late 2022, the CIS will be used by all providers where AHS is accountable for the record of care.
A variety of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) facilitate primary and specialty healthcare where Connect Care is not the record of care. Without ways to bridge these information spaces (CIS and EMR), continuity is broken.
One bridge is provided by Alberta's provincial Electronic Health Record, Netcare, which aggregates key health information and makes it available to authorized providers. Netcare is improved when Connect Care deploys because it gains a wider range of information from a single, standards-based, CIS source.
Another bridge is provided through "eDelivery" of health information from Connect Care and Netcare to Alberta EMRs. This too is improved with Connect Care. More information in a more consistent format is easier for EMRs to capture and organize.
Two new initiatives promise even better connections. AHS, the Alberta Medical Association and Alberta Health are promoting two-way health information sharing between EMRs and Netcare through "Community Information Integration" (CII) and a "Central Patient Attachment Registry" (CPAR). These allow patients to be linked to a medical home, and for that home to share information with Netcare. The CII will extend sharing to include the CIS in 2020 and CPAR will both inform and be informed by what happens where Connect Care is the record of care.
Working together, Alberta's CIS, EHR, EMR, CII and CPAR help to defragment the health information space; bringing continuity to Albertans' experience of healthcare.
2019-07-30
90 Day Launch Readiness Assessment Today
Among many preparations for the Connect Care launch later this year are Launch Readiness Assessments (LRA). These bring together all participants in the Connect Care initiative to report on progress and to problem-solve impediments. This taking-the-temperature is invaluable for nimble adjustments and collaborative coordination.
An important 90 day LRA occurs today, July 30, in the Bernard Snell Hall (Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre in Edmonton) starting at 0830. Connect Care team members and Wave 1 leaders and participants, will review all streams of work for progress, risks and launch readiness.
An important 90 day LRA occurs today, July 30, in the Bernard Snell Hall (Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre in Edmonton) starting at 0830. Connect Care team members and Wave 1 leaders and participants, will review all streams of work for progress, risks and launch readiness.
- Insite: Connect Care Readiness Activities
- Edmonton Zone Readiness Resources: edmonton.connect-care.ca
2019-07-29
Clinical Operations 2 Minute Updates
Clinicians work as a team. Connect Care both increases and leverages our interdependence. There will be many opportunities for the professions to help one another by reducing duplicative documentation, improving handover, coordinating communications and keeping all aligned with patient goals.
While Bytes blog has a prescriber (physicians, medical trainees, pharmacists, clinician assistants, nurse practitioners, etc.) focus, our interests often overlap those of non-prescribers. A basic awareness of colleague's Connect Care efforts is important.
The clinical operations team maintains an excellent "2 Minute Update" approximately weekly. This summarizes key happenings and priorities for non-prescriber colleagues; lots relevant to prescribers.
While Bytes blog has a prescriber (physicians, medical trainees, pharmacists, clinician assistants, nurse practitioners, etc.) focus, our interests often overlap those of non-prescribers. A basic awareness of colleague's Connect Care efforts is important.
The clinical operations team maintains an excellent "2 Minute Update" approximately weekly. This summarizes key happenings and priorities for non-prescriber colleagues; lots relevant to prescribers.
2019-07-24
Mandatory Privacy Awareness Training
All physicians must complete privacy awareness training prior to gaining Connect Care access. This can be done independently and online by completing “InfoCare: On Our Best Behaviours” through MyLearningLink.ahs.ca (MLL). A search in “Courses & Registration” for “Infocare” will bring up the module. Note that it must be completed in full to expose a final attestation which must be completed before full Connect Care access is granted.
MLL has a “Required Courses” menu item and section. Note that the many courses listed are not required of physicians, with the exception of InfoCare. Physicians will receive explicit instructions in their training packages about which modules fit their needs.
MLL has a “Required Courses” menu item and section. Note that the many courses listed are not required of physicians, with the exception of InfoCare. Physicians will receive explicit instructions in their training packages about which modules fit their needs.
2019-07-23
MyLearningLink for Physicians
Most Connect Care courses are managed through MyLearningLink.ahs.ca (MLL), which is accessed using an Alberta Health Services (AHS) username and password.
Many physicians will seek access from outside AHS facilities, likely with computer types different from standard AHS issue. For example, users of Apple computers are advised to use Chrome Internet browser with pop-up blocking disabled. The tip sheet linked below gives practical advice about how to configure for MLL success outside of AHS facilities.
A number of eLearning modules are required as part of training. Early registrants may not see all relevant modules when searching MLL. Trust that these will be available at least two weeks prior to scheduled basic training sessions. Connect Care is working to make them available sooner.
Many physicians will seek access from outside AHS facilities, likely with computer types different from standard AHS issue. For example, users of Apple computers are advised to use Chrome Internet browser with pop-up blocking disabled. The tip sheet linked below gives practical advice about how to configure for MLL success outside of AHS facilities.
A number of eLearning modules are required as part of training. Early registrants may not see all relevant modules when searching MLL. Trust that these will be available at least two weeks prior to scheduled basic training sessions. Connect Care is working to make them available sooner.
2019-07-22
Connect Care Continuing Professional Development Credits
Connect Care physician training is eligible for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credit. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada have approved up to 12 hours training for CPD credit.
More information about credit types and weights, together with procedures for claiming credits, will be detailed in tip sheets provided when physicians complete basic training and competency assessment. The tips will include instructions about how Alberta Medical Association members can access continuing medical education member benefits.
More information about credit types and weights, together with procedures for claiming credits, will be detailed in tip sheets provided when physicians complete basic training and competency assessment. The tips will include instructions about how Alberta Medical Association members can access continuing medical education member benefits.
2019-07-21
Connect Care Physician Training - More Good News
Today we are pleased to receive official confirmation that the College of Family Physicians of Canada has completed its review of the Connect Care physician training program, including its eHealth literacy components. Specialist physicians are eligible for up to 24 continuing professional development credits (Mainpro+) upon completing their assigned training and satisfying the associated competency assessment. This is good recognition, representing a significant portion of the credits family physicians need to accrue yearly.
We are delighted that both family physicians and specialists are now eligible for continuing medical education recognition. This also entitles Alberta Medical Association members to make CME expense claims.
The Connect Care Training Program will prepare the necessary confirmation certificates and will also add brief tips to the Handbook about how to claim credits.
We are delighted that both family physicians and specialists are now eligible for continuing medical education recognition. This also entitles Alberta Medical Association members to make CME expense claims.
The Connect Care Training Program will prepare the necessary confirmation certificates and will also add brief tips to the Handbook about how to claim credits.
2019-07-20
Wave 1 Training - Important to Sign Up for Scheduling!
Good training, supplemented with effective personalization, is a best predictor of physician satisfaction with clinical information system (CIS) use. We can't avoid CIS adoption -- it is now an essential clinical skill -- but we can avoid lacklustre training.
Connect Care physicians are offered personalized, workflow-sensitive, training tracks delivered by those who understand their needs: other physicians. Moreover, the curriculum is designed to help physicians acquire essential competencies while getting valuable continuing education credits.
A wide range of times and locations are offered, in addition to flexible self-directed e-learning modules. Inevitably, the necessary in-person training sessions have limits and so it is essential that all Wave-1 physicians submit their scheduling preference surveys as soon as possible! The survey link appears in emails, and email reminders, sent via medical affairs.
We are pleased that over 80% of eligible physicians have submitted preferences and most are receiving assigned dates and times. Nonetheless, the longer one procrastinates, the fewer training slots available to pick from. And, in the end, the training cannot be avoided.
Physicians who believe they should receive, but have not received, a training preferences survey should contact wave1-connectcare.physiciantraining@ahs.ca.
Connect Care physicians are offered personalized, workflow-sensitive, training tracks delivered by those who understand their needs: other physicians. Moreover, the curriculum is designed to help physicians acquire essential competencies while getting valuable continuing education credits.
A wide range of times and locations are offered, in addition to flexible self-directed e-learning modules. Inevitably, the necessary in-person training sessions have limits and so it is essential that all Wave-1 physicians submit their scheduling preference surveys as soon as possible! The survey link appears in emails, and email reminders, sent via medical affairs.
We are pleased that over 80% of eligible physicians have submitted preferences and most are receiving assigned dates and times. Nonetheless, the longer one procrastinates, the fewer training slots available to pick from. And, in the end, the training cannot be avoided.
Physicians who believe they should receive, but have not received, a training preferences survey should contact wave1-connectcare.physiciantraining@ahs.ca.
2019-07-19
Yet another review - How does this affect Connect Care?
In a previous post we commented on reports of an external review to be launched by Alberta's provincial government, with intent to explore how information system assets could be coordinated to public advantage.
Another review has hit the press. A contract awarded to Ernst & Young supports a general review of Alberta Health Services, the province's public corporation responsible for integrated care across the continuum of care.
It is important to appreciate that Connect Care is not in scope for the general AHS review. Also important to re-iterate that support for Connect Care is not in scope for the health information systems review. Rather, the focus is on optimization and opportunity. Alberta has leading-edge Electronic Health Record (EHR), Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Clinical Information System (CIS) initiatives.
Another review has hit the press. A contract awarded to Ernst & Young supports a general review of Alberta Health Services, the province's public corporation responsible for integrated care across the continuum of care.
It is important to appreciate that Connect Care is not in scope for the general AHS review. Also important to re-iterate that support for Connect Care is not in scope for the health information systems review. Rather, the focus is on optimization and opportunity. Alberta has leading-edge Electronic Health Record (EHR), Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Clinical Information System (CIS) initiatives.
2019-07-16
Practical Paranoia - Why Use AHS Secure Email?
We've previously posted about warranted worry when using email for clinical purposes.
Alberta health Services (AHS) offers a secure email solution that can support sending identifiable patient health information between AHS email and, with "!Private" in the subject line, to non-AHS email addresses.
Clinicians have raised a number of questions. Hopefully, this FAQ helps:
Alberta health Services (AHS) offers a secure email solution that can support sending identifiable patient health information between AHS email and, with "!Private" in the subject line, to non-AHS email addresses.
Clinicians have raised a number of questions. Hopefully, this FAQ helps:
2019-07-14
Is Connect Care at risk in new provincial review?
Connect Care participants have expressed concern about recent news reports of a provincial government review of Alberta's health information systems. Is Connect Care at risk?
The review, fulfilling a pre-election promise of the new provincial government, does not reflect second thoughts, or any lack of support, for the Connect Care initiative. Rather, there are information services that Connect Care can offer patients and physicians that may overlap with other provincial offerings, like the provincial electronic health record and public service patient portal. The intent of the review is to consider the most efficient strategy for leveraging Alberta's considerable opportunities. A request for proposals from potential reviewers has been posted and review results are not anticipated until 2020.
The Connect Care initiative continues with unequivocal commitment to its first launch in November 2019, and beyond.
The review, fulfilling a pre-election promise of the new provincial government, does not reflect second thoughts, or any lack of support, for the Connect Care initiative. Rather, there are information services that Connect Care can offer patients and physicians that may overlap with other provincial offerings, like the provincial electronic health record and public service patient portal. The intent of the review is to consider the most efficient strategy for leveraging Alberta's considerable opportunities. A request for proposals from potential reviewers has been posted and review results are not anticipated until 2020.
The Connect Care initiative continues with unequivocal commitment to its first launch in November 2019, and beyond.
2019-07-13
Connect Care Wave 1 - What's Up?
Anyone associated with Connect Care is no stranger to immense complexity! And the number of simultaneously accelerating activities increases week by week. It can be hard to appreciate all that is happening.
A new Wave 1 Activities Timeline can help stakeholders keep up with accomplishments, needs and milestones.
With all clinical content (decision, documentation and inquiry supports) designed, the new priorities relate to content build and validation. It is especially important to re-rally clinical experts to ensure that what is built is what was intended. All levels of training continue to ramp up, with the bulk of end-user training starting just weeks from now. Other immediate happenings relate to device (medical and non-medical) installation, testing and validation.
A new Wave 1 Activities Timeline can help stakeholders keep up with accomplishments, needs and milestones.
With all clinical content (decision, documentation and inquiry supports) designed, the new priorities relate to content build and validation. It is especially important to re-rally clinical experts to ensure that what is built is what was intended. All levels of training continue to ramp up, with the bulk of end-user training starting just weeks from now. Other immediate happenings relate to device (medical and non-medical) installation, testing and validation.
2019-07-12
How much past health data will make it into Connect Care?
Data conversion is about how historical health information is selected and managed for transfer from legacy information systems to the Connect Care clinical information system (CIS). We've previously explained the principles and processes that determine which, and how much, health information will be available in Connect Care at launch.
Wave 1 launch rapidly approaches and we can answer data conversion questions with more certainty.
In most cases, laboratory and diagnostic imaging results will be complete back to June 1, 2017; bringing over two years of important clinical information into Connect Care. In addition, most vaccination records, genetic data and legacy clinical information system (e.g., eCLINICIAN) data will transfer. Paper records will not be transcribed or copied. However, they may inform chart abstraction (outpatient) or cutover data entry (inpatient) near launch.
Clinicians can be reassured that key health information remains available in the Alberta Netcare Portal; an important safety net during transitions to Connect Care.
In addition to previously shared conversion summaries, take a quick look at the Key Messages for a quick summary of our latest expectations.
Wave 1 launch rapidly approaches and we can answer data conversion questions with more certainty.
In most cases, laboratory and diagnostic imaging results will be complete back to June 1, 2017; bringing over two years of important clinical information into Connect Care. In addition, most vaccination records, genetic data and legacy clinical information system (e.g., eCLINICIAN) data will transfer. Paper records will not be transcribed or copied. However, they may inform chart abstraction (outpatient) or cutover data entry (inpatient) near launch.
Clinicians can be reassured that key health information remains available in the Alberta Netcare Portal; an important safety net during transitions to Connect Care.
In addition to previously shared conversion summaries, take a quick look at the Key Messages for a quick summary of our latest expectations.
2019-07-11
More Power to Connect Care Users
Building capacity in clinician communities remains a pillar of the Connect Care physician readiness strategy. Capacity grows at many levels. Our training program emphasizes empowerment of end-users, especially to leverage personalizations that can make the clinical information system (CIS) experience efficient, even enjoyable.
We've previously blogged about building capacity at other levels. Physician Super Users, Power Users, Builders, Analysts, Knowledge Leads and Medical Informatics Leads have already proved invaluable to our clinical system design and build efforts. We are benefiting from skilling-up before launch, which is not typical for other CIS implementations.
One option for physicians seeking more advanced information management skills is the Power User pathway. We've facilitated this opportunity for medical informatics leaders embedded in zones and specialty areas. It is exciting to witness how many have taken advantage of excellent course offerings from Epic. 17 Power Users are certified (completed 8 courses), 66 have started the pathway and 58 have at least two courses completed.
Thanks to all who prepare for CIS mastery... to better help the rest of us avoid being enslaved by the CIS!
We've previously blogged about building capacity at other levels. Physician Super Users, Power Users, Builders, Analysts, Knowledge Leads and Medical Informatics Leads have already proved invaluable to our clinical system design and build efforts. We are benefiting from skilling-up before launch, which is not typical for other CIS implementations.
One option for physicians seeking more advanced information management skills is the Power User pathway. We've facilitated this opportunity for medical informatics leaders embedded in zones and specialty areas. It is exciting to witness how many have taken advantage of excellent course offerings from Epic. 17 Power Users are certified (completed 8 courses), 66 have started the pathway and 58 have at least two courses completed.
Thanks to all who prepare for CIS mastery... to better help the rest of us avoid being enslaved by the CIS!
2019-07-10
Wave 1 Physician Training - Registration Progress
We've previously posted about getting Wave 1 physicians ready for and scheduled into Connect Care training.
A big thank you to all who have heeded the call and submitted preferences for personalized training! We are grateful to have over 1,300 physicians (73% of Wave 1 cohort) already getting lined up for basic training.
Follow-up communications are going out to those who have not yet registered preferences. It is very important that all physicians respond and get matched to acceptable tracks and timelines. Delays reduce options!
The Area Trainers guiding physicians through training are themselves trained, with about 60% completing key preparations this week. Super Users are also key to effective facilitation. About 40% will have finished their own training this week.
Our unique Connect Care training program continues to unfold. We are excited to see, as much as possible, the prospect of clinicians training clinicians coming to fruition. It remains for users to seize the opportunities offered. Taking training seriously is one of the best predictors of satisfaction with a new clinical information system.
A big thank you to all who have heeded the call and submitted preferences for personalized training! We are grateful to have over 1,300 physicians (73% of Wave 1 cohort) already getting lined up for basic training.
Follow-up communications are going out to those who have not yet registered preferences. It is very important that all physicians respond and get matched to acceptable tracks and timelines. Delays reduce options!
The Area Trainers guiding physicians through training are themselves trained, with about 60% completing key preparations this week. Super Users are also key to effective facilitation. About 40% will have finished their own training this week.
Our unique Connect Care training program continues to unfold. We are excited to see, as much as possible, the prospect of clinicians training clinicians coming to fruition. It remains for users to seize the opportunities offered. Taking training seriously is one of the best predictors of satisfaction with a new clinical information system.
2019-07-09
Connect Care Physician Training - Good News
Today we are pleased to receive official confirmation that the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has completed its review of the Connect Care physician training program, including its eHealth literacy components. Specialist physicians are eligible for a full 12 hours of continuing professional development hours (at 3 credits per hour for a total of 36 credits) upon completing their assigned training and satisfying the associated competency assessment. This is good recognition, representing a significant portion of the credits specialists need to accrue yearly (90%!).
We await final word from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
We await final word from the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
2019-07-08
Connect Care July 2019 Calendar
A summary of key Connect Care happenings in July 2019 has been posted to the Alberta Health Services (AHS) internal Connect Care website, linked below.
High priority activities continue to advance device interfaces. Business continuity and datacentre failover exercises begin. Super User training is underway.
Clinical content validation activities are top priority so that we can ensure acceptability of documentation, decision and inquiry supports in time for personalization and launch.
High priority activities continue to advance device interfaces. Business continuity and datacentre failover exercises begin. Super User training is underway.
Clinical content validation activities are top priority so that we can ensure acceptability of documentation, decision and inquiry supports in time for personalization and launch.
2019-07-07
Connect Care July 5, 2019 Newsletter Posted
The July 5, 2019, Connect Care Newsletter is available via the link below; covering 1) Timeline Updates, 2) New Connect Care Experience Videos, and 3) Waves 1 anad 3 Workflow Walkthrough.
2019-07-06
Practical Paranoia - Sending Clinical Email
Clinicians should take great care when using electronic mail to communicate about clinical work, especially messages that may contain identifiable patient information.
We look forward to Connect Care launch, as the clinical information system (CIS) has advanced clinical communications tools. These include email, text/chat, image capture and telehealth. Everything that happens within Connect Care stays within Connect Care. The physician and patient portals securely extend these clinical communication channels to those without full CIS access.
But what are we to do before Connect Care deployment is wide enough for all recipients to to receive? Before launch, and during transition periods when some but not all areas have launched, Alberta Health Services (AHS) secure email should be used for clinical communications.
Any email sent from one AHS address (ending with @ahs.ca or @albertahealthservices.ca or @covenanthealth.ca or @albertapubliclabs.ca) to another is automatically encrypted and acceptable for clinical communications.
An additional step is needed to protect email sent from an AHS address to a non-AHS address. It is easy. Just add "!Private" (remember the exclamation mark comes before, with no space, "private") anywhere within the email subject line. The recipient will receive instructions about how to decrypt the protected message. This will work even if there are attachments. And simply adding "!private" to the subject works with any email management software (e.g., Outlook, Apple Mail, Web mail, etc.).
For more information:
We look forward to Connect Care launch, as the clinical information system (CIS) has advanced clinical communications tools. These include email, text/chat, image capture and telehealth. Everything that happens within Connect Care stays within Connect Care. The physician and patient portals securely extend these clinical communication channels to those without full CIS access.
But what are we to do before Connect Care deployment is wide enough for all recipients to to receive? Before launch, and during transition periods when some but not all areas have launched, Alberta Health Services (AHS) secure email should be used for clinical communications.
Any email sent from one AHS address (ending with @ahs.ca or @albertahealthservices.ca or @covenanthealth.ca or @albertapubliclabs.ca) to another is automatically encrypted and acceptable for clinical communications.
An additional step is needed to protect email sent from an AHS address to a non-AHS address. It is easy. Just add "!Private" (remember the exclamation mark comes before, with no space, "private") anywhere within the email subject line. The recipient will receive instructions about how to decrypt the protected message. This will work even if there are attachments. And simply adding "!private" to the subject works with any email management software (e.g., Outlook, Apple Mail, Web mail, etc.).
For more information:
2019-07-05
Privacy Awareness - an Essential Clinical Skill
Privacy awareness is essential to good clinicianship. It does not come naturally and so we all need training. Our digital world presents ever-changing threats to information security, making it hard to know when we may unintentionally weaken the vigilance our patients expect. Breaches harm patients, and can be devastating for clinicians.
On the eve of Connect Care implementation, Alberta Health Services has overhauled its universal privacy awareness training. A new online elearning module, called "InfoCare - On Our Best Behaviors" is now available on MyLearningLink.ahs.ca (MLL). This privacy awareness training is required of all physicians prior to gaining access to Connect Care. The module is engaging, case-based, and easy to complete. It highlights a series of behaviors that physicians can promote for patient care, professionalism and Connect Care readiness.
InfoCare is delivered through MLL, which is most commonly used on AHS computers in AHS facilities. As physicians are more likely to complete the course on personal devices outside AHS facilities, we have prepared a summary of tips that can help those using personal devices. To complete privacy awareness training:
On the eve of Connect Care implementation, Alberta Health Services has overhauled its universal privacy awareness training. A new online elearning module, called "InfoCare - On Our Best Behaviors" is now available on MyLearningLink.ahs.ca (MLL). This privacy awareness training is required of all physicians prior to gaining access to Connect Care. The module is engaging, case-based, and easy to complete. It highlights a series of behaviors that physicians can promote for patient care, professionalism and Connect Care readiness.
InfoCare is delivered through MLL, which is most commonly used on AHS computers in AHS facilities. As physicians are more likely to complete the course on personal devices outside AHS facilities, we have prepared a summary of tips that can help those using personal devices. To complete privacy awareness training:
- Go to MyLearningLink.ahs.ca (we recommend the Chrome Internet browser for those who do not have access to Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 7 or 10).
- Sign on with your usual AHS credentials (same as those for email)
- Search the Course Catalogue for courses containing the word "InfoCare"
- Register for and complete the course online
- Verify that your confidentiality and user agreement is accepted and the course is marked as complete.
- Tips: Using MyLearningLink
2019-07-04
Compensation for Connect Care Physician Training
Training registration emails and scheduling surveys have gone out to almost 2,000 physicians touched by Connect Care's Wave 1 launch later this year. This makes clinician training real and immediate.
A dedicated team of physicians, educators and technical experts have collaborated to develop customized learning pathways for Alberta’s physicians. A mix of in-person, self-directed and case-based modules will take between 8-12 hours to complete, varying with users’ needs. Basic training is as brief as possible, with progress to personalization and optimization contingent upon satisfactory completion of privacy awareness training and a competency assessment.
There are no fees for Connect Care courses, certification, resources or supports. As with other Alberta informatics initiatives, financial compensation is not provided for time lost to training. However, we expect that physicians will receive continuing medical education (CME) credits and be eligible for Alberta Medical Association continuing medical education program funding. Connect Care training resources are invested in building informatics capacity in physician communities. This allows physicians to train physicians, peers to help peers, and builders to express physician needs.
Physician training slots open well in advance of Connect Care launch in each zone, program or facility. Participating physicians are notified by email and encouraged to respond promptly with scheduling preferences. Once training track(s) are assigned, physicians should complete basic training as soon as possible, allowing more time for personalization pre-launch. Effective personalization makes transitions easier.
Physicians can direct questions or concerns to zone medical leaders and their associate chief medical information officer. The following resources can help:
A dedicated team of physicians, educators and technical experts have collaborated to develop customized learning pathways for Alberta’s physicians. A mix of in-person, self-directed and case-based modules will take between 8-12 hours to complete, varying with users’ needs. Basic training is as brief as possible, with progress to personalization and optimization contingent upon satisfactory completion of privacy awareness training and a competency assessment.
There are no fees for Connect Care courses, certification, resources or supports. As with other Alberta informatics initiatives, financial compensation is not provided for time lost to training. However, we expect that physicians will receive continuing medical education (CME) credits and be eligible for Alberta Medical Association continuing medical education program funding. Connect Care training resources are invested in building informatics capacity in physician communities. This allows physicians to train physicians, peers to help peers, and builders to express physician needs.
Physician training slots open well in advance of Connect Care launch in each zone, program or facility. Participating physicians are notified by email and encouraged to respond promptly with scheduling preferences. Once training track(s) are assigned, physicians should complete basic training as soon as possible, allowing more time for personalization pre-launch. Effective personalization makes transitions easier.
2019-07-02
A deep look at Connect Care
After years of planning, consultation and development, Connect Care stakeholders were given a full day to delve into the emerging clinical information system last week.
Representatives from sites and programs in launch Waves 1 and 3 gathered from across the Edmonton Zone for our first "Workflow Walkthrough" event. This provided was a chance for users to see how the Connect Care system will be used in a number of important workflows, with priority given to high-volume, high-complexity or high-risk contexts. A preliminary big-picture overview, used demonstrations of the new Connect Care build to illustrate a full patient journey through the health care system.
Attendees watched videos and live demonstrations, and had opportunities to ask questions and log issues or change requests. Workflow walkthroughs are an important part of readiness preparations for each of the many Connect Care launch waves.
Representatives from sites and programs in launch Waves 1 and 3 gathered from across the Edmonton Zone for our first "Workflow Walkthrough" event. This provided was a chance for users to see how the Connect Care system will be used in a number of important workflows, with priority given to high-volume, high-complexity or high-risk contexts. A preliminary big-picture overview, used demonstrations of the new Connect Care build to illustrate a full patient journey through the health care system.
Attendees watched videos and live demonstrations, and had opportunities to ask questions and log issues or change requests. Workflow walkthroughs are an important part of readiness preparations for each of the many Connect Care launch waves.
2019-07-01
MyLearningLink for Connect Care Physician Training
“MyLearningLink” (mylearninglink.ahs.ca, or “MLL”) is Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) online learning management platform. It is used to deliver courses offered to all AHS stakeholders in all areas. It is also used to facilitate the registration, scheduling, delivery, completion tracking and assessments for Connect Care training. Users can find, access and complete any self-directed e-learning courses or assessments that can be completed online. MyLearningLink is important to Connect Care.
Unfortunately, until recently, the MLL environment focused on education needs of AHS staff working in AHS facilities on AHS-provisioned systems. Courses are approved for Internet Explorer (IE, version 11) running under Windows 7 on AHS desktop computers. But Connect Care users need to train at non-AHS locations on non-AHS computers.
Fortunately, MLL is upgraded to work on networks both inside and outside of the AHS “intranet”. Testing and support for users of Apple operating systems is coming.
For now, we have prepared a tip giving interim advice for clinicians who may have difficulty replicating the standard AHS computer set-up. Please try this out and send any feedback, questions or suggestions to mip@ahs.ca.
Unfortunately, until recently, the MLL environment focused on education needs of AHS staff working in AHS facilities on AHS-provisioned systems. Courses are approved for Internet Explorer (IE, version 11) running under Windows 7 on AHS desktop computers. But Connect Care users need to train at non-AHS locations on non-AHS computers.
Fortunately, MLL is upgraded to work on networks both inside and outside of the AHS “intranet”. Testing and support for users of Apple operating systems is coming.
For now, we have prepared a tip giving interim advice for clinicians who may have difficulty replicating the standard AHS computer set-up. Please try this out and send any feedback, questions or suggestions to mip@ahs.ca.
2019-06-29
First Workflow Walkthrough Successful
We previously posted about the nature and importance of Workflow Walkthroughs before each wave of Connect Care implementation.
Waves 1 and 3 shared a Workflow Walkthrough for the Edmonton Zone for most of the day on June 26. A comprehensive patient journey was illustrated using the emergent Connect Care clinical information system. This gave a tangible view of how all phases and settings of care relate. There followed deeper dives into information flows associated with complex multidisciplinary collaborative care. Participants were able to ask questions and point out areas requiring more attention.
Similar Workflow Walkthroughs will be repeated for other implementation waves, allowing local workflow adaptations to be explored.
Key demonstrations are available for viewing online (note that an AHS username and password are required):
Waves 1 and 3 shared a Workflow Walkthrough for the Edmonton Zone for most of the day on June 26. A comprehensive patient journey was illustrated using the emergent Connect Care clinical information system. This gave a tangible view of how all phases and settings of care relate. There followed deeper dives into information flows associated with complex multidisciplinary collaborative care. Participants were able to ask questions and point out areas requiring more attention.
Similar Workflow Walkthroughs will be repeated for other implementation waves, allowing local workflow adaptations to be explored.
Key demonstrations are available for viewing online (note that an AHS username and password are required):
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