2025-10-21

CMIO Prescriber Virtual Drop-In Now Open

The CMIO Prescriber Virtual Drop-in is now open! 

As previously posted, the Preadmission Clinic (PAC) Optimization Project launches today, October 21, 2025, bringing important updates to pre-procedure workflows that directly affect prescribers and MOAs across surgical and non-surgical specialties. Also going live today are changes to daily lab orders for inpatients, impacting all admission order sets.

The CMIO's Virtual Drop-in provides prescribers with support virtually to identify updated orders and re-personalize their order sets, orders, and order panels, for both the PAC Optimization and lab order changes. The Virtual Drop-in is open weekdays, 08:00 to 16:00, from October 21 to 31 (closed Saturdays and Sundays). 

More information on the Virtual Drop-in (including how to access) as well as other resources available to support prescribers in navigating the PAC Optimization changes can be found in the PAC Optimization page of the Connect Care Manual, linked below and also from the banner at the top of every Manual page. Note that a separate virtual drop-in room is also available for MOAs, with slightly different hours; information on this is also available in the Manual.

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2025-10-14

Changes to Daily Lab Orders for Inpatients

Effective October 21, 2025, to reduce unnecessary testing and improve patient care, there will be restrictions in Connect Care on the use of daily lab orders for inpatients. The default number of occurrences for daily lab orders will be set to 3 days, with a maximum of 7 days. All admission order sets will be impacted. Personalized orders will have to be adjusted after the change to align with the new limits; supports will be available to help prescribers with re-personalization (details below).

Inpatient orders for frequencies other than daily as well as outpatient orders will not be affected at this time.  

How This Will Impact Prescribers

  • Occurrence field default: For lab orders with a frequency of daily (including daily morning, daily afternoon, daily evening, daily timed, first occurrence then every 24hrs), the default will be 3 occurrences and can be adjusted to a maximum of 7. There will be no hard stops in the occurrence field, but will default to 3 days when left blank upon signing.
  • Order validation warning: An order validation warning will identify which orders are not able to be signed without changes. The warning will appear when placing personalized orders, order panels, and/or order sets that have default occurrence of greater than 7 days for daily lab orders. 
  • Modifying/reordering: Daily orders can be modified/reordered at any time for up to 7 days. The “edit multiple” tool can be used to efficiently change the frequency and number of occurrences for multiple orders at once. 
  • Expiring labs: As previously posted, expiring repeating inpatient lab orders show up in the "Expiring Orders" section of the Orders activity 3 days before they expire. An "Expiring Repeating Lab 2d" column is also available to add to the Patient List to visually flag orders expiring within 48 hours. 
  • Order review: All inpatient lab orders should be reviewed at least weekly for ongoing appropriateness.
Support for Re-Personalization

Tip sheets to help prescribers with re-personalization of orders, order panels, and/or order sets are linked below. Any prescribers needing additional support are invited to use the CMIO's virtual drop-in Zoom room that has been set up for the PAC Optimization Project October 21–24 and October 27–31; see the poster linked below for access details. The Help Desk will also be able to help prescribers navigate this change.
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2025-10-10

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-10-06

Calculators Moving to Web-based Versions

As previously posted, most physicians, staff, and volunteers at AHS and affiliate organizations are or have already switched to using Microsoft 365 (M365) web apps, and these web apps function differently in some ways than the desktop versions. Up to now, many clinical calculators commonly used in Connect Care workflows run Excel macros that are based on desktop Excel files. Unfortunately, these calculators do not work when opened in the web app version of Excel. 

Starting October 14, 2025, the calculators listed below - used for weight-based medication dosing, fluid calculations, and titration protocols for pediatric patients (under 18 years old) - will transition to web-accessible versions, to ensure compatibility across devices. Users will no longer need to download or store local copies, and should delete any locally saved copies of the old versions. Prescribers can access the web-based calculators via the sidebar (details below).

Calculators Moving to Web-based Versions
  • Provincial: D10% Pediatric DKA Calculator; D12.5% Pediatric DKA Calculator; LHMF Calculator; NEONATAL potassium chloride calculator 
  • Calgary: 
    • NICU: Emergency Medications and Controlled Intubation Calculator; Multiple Dextrose Infusions, Set TFI and Glucose Infusion Rate Calculator 
    • Pediatric: Emergency Medication Calculator - ED; Emergency Medication Calculator - General ED / UCC; Extended Interval Aminoglycoside Dosing Calculator; Glucose Infusion Rate Calculator; Potassium Administration Calculator 
    • PICU: Code Sheet; Tube Feed Catch Up Calculator 
  • Covenant: Emergency Drug Calculator 
  • Edmonton: 
    • NICU: David Schiff Emergency Drug Calculator; Fluid Management Calculator; Total Fluid Intake and Glucose Infusion Rate Calculator; Y-site Glucose Calculator 
    • NICU PCE/SCH NICU: Emergency Drug Calculator 
    • NICU/PICU: Intranasal Emergency Drug Calculator 
    • Stollery: Dialysate & Replacement Labels; ECMO Flow Calculator; PICU Emergency Drug Calculator; PICU Transport Meds Calc Sheet 

How to Access
  • Prescribers can access the new web-based versions of the above calculators by navigating to the Sidebar Summary, clicking on "Scores" (top of sidebar, middle of right column), and selecting the applicable calculator (click the camera icon below for a screenshot). Note the above listed calculators are all pediatric and will only show for patients under the age of 18.
  • The calculator will open in a private browser window, where details can be entered to complete the calculation (example screenshot below). 
  • If required, print by pressing Ctrl + P after the calculation is complete. 
  • Note: Nurses/Respiratory Therapists/Unit Clerks can access the calculators via their Universal or ED Learning Home Dashboard (under “Patient Care Resources”).

Having Trouble with an Excel Calculator?

If you use an Excel-based calculator that no longer works after the switch to M365 and/or does not have a web-based version available, we need your help to ensure continued access. This may be an issue particularly with shared "thin client" workstations that only run Connect Care and not other desktop applications.

If your calculator is missing or not functioning, submit a request using this Insite form. Include the following in your request: 
  • An unlocked version of the Excel calculator file
  • Where it was previously accessed
  • A brief description of its clinical use case
Once your request is submitted, your calculator will be converted into a supported web-based version, reviewed for accuracy and clinical relevance, and linked from Connect Care.
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You’re Invited to a Conversation about Connect Care (October 9)

Please join us for a virtual town hall for Connect Care physicians and other prescribers on Thursday, October 9, 2025, 17:00 to 18:15 (via Zoom), where we will discuss:

  • Results of the 2025 Connect Care user surveys from AHS and Specialty Care Alliance of the AMA
  • Progress made since the last user surveys in 2023
  • Action plan for Connect Care optimization based on 2025 results
  • Your questions, submitted in advance or live during the session

Please register to attend at the below link (questions can be submitted in advance directly in the registration form): 

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2025-10-01

Updates to COVID-19 Vaccine Order Set [Updated]

To reflect current formulations of the COVID-19 vaccine, the COVID-19 Vaccine Order Set will be updated effective October 2, 2025. Revisions include:

  • Updated COVID-19 vaccine order items to reflect current products available.
  • Order set restrictions so prescribers will only see appropriate orders based on the patient’s age:
    • Adult (18 years and older)
    • Pediatric (Age 12–17 years)
    • Pediatric (Age 6 months–11 years)

For more information: 


[Oct 1: Note this blog post previously stated the order set was being retired, which is no longer the case.]

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2025-09-26

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 21 Now Available

Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts", summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Lab requisition printing changes coming October 1
  • Invitation to virtual conversation about Connect Care on October 9
  • Preadmission Clinic (PAC) Optimization Project launching October 21
  • Quarterly reports for physicians treating patients with heart failure starting October 1
  • October Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes
  • Updates to inpatient Problem Oriented Charting navigator
  • Updates to previous "Inpatient Consult to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation" order
  • Changes to inpatient note routing due to Fall Upgrade
  • How to retrieve auto-removed In Basket messages
  • LOA for procedure workflow
  • Save time by setting up an In Basket QuickAction
  • Best Practice Advisories (BPAs) now called Our Practice Advisories (OPAs)
  • Using AI safely at AHS
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email. 

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Operative Reports Routing from Connect Care to Note Author

As previously posted, the recent Connect Care Fall Upgrade included improvements to note routing. With these improvements, inpatient notes are now routed differently:
  • Most notes no longer deliver automatically to the authoring provider’s EMR; instead, authors now have the option to choose when and where notes they author are delivered. 
  • Operative reports continue to be automatically delivered to their author, to assist offices in arranging post-op follow-up. However, the location to which those notes are delivered may have changed, because distribution of these reports is now based on delivery preferences recorded in Epic.
    • For example, providers may now receive operative reports that they author in their Connect Care In Basket, or other locations, instead of in their EMR. They might also be receiving such reports for the first time.
Auto-delivery of operative notes to a provider's In Basket can be turned off if preferred (see this Tippy blog post for steps). If your notes are not routing as expected, you may need to update your Connect Care routing preferences by using one of these methods:
  • Complete the Provider Set-Up Request Form
  • Contact the AHS Solution Centre at 1-877-311-4300
    • Select option 1 for Clinical Applications, then select option 1 for Connect Care.
    • Please have your location, contact information and Prac ID available when you call.
For more information on these changes, see:
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On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-09-25

Inpatient Problem Oriented Charting (POC) and Interactive Progress Notes

The POC navigator has been updated with new functionality, including:

  • Ability to manage the full patient history (medical, surgical, family, etc.) without needing to access the standard Problem List activity. 
  • Hyperlinks that facilitate quick generation of alternative formats for POC progress notes, including a blank note where personal SmartPhrases are easy to use.
  • Interactive editing function that allows updates to assessments and plans directly within POC progress notes, saving users from having to alternate between their progress note and the POC navigator when editing Problem List items or the associated assessments and plans. 
    • Note: This interactive editing function will later be applied to summative notes (e.g., discharge summaries) in a future update. 

The Connect Care Manual has been updated with new tip sheets and demonstration videos covering this enhanced functionality. If additional information required, feel free to reach out to the CMIO Prescriber Experience team at help.cmio@ahs.ca.

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2025-09-24

Cessation of Automatic Printing of Connect Care Lab Requisitions (October 1)

To support more efficient workflows, reduce paper consumption, and promote digital integration, effective October 1, 2025, automatic printing of Connect Care laboratory requisitions for patient blood and urine specimen orders will be disabled. All other specimen requisitions will continue to automatically print.

Currently, lab requisitions for ambulatory clinic and post-discharge orders are automatically printed from Connect Care. However, these paper copies are often unnecessary in most situations, as lab orders are already visible to Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) staff directly within Connect Care, and are visible to patients in the After Visit Summary (AVS) as well as the Connect Care patient portal (MyChart). Going forward, a printed copy of these lab requisitions will no longer be required in most clinical scenarios, and manual printing should only be used when required for patient care or specific collection scenarios. 

Critical Prescriber Steps
  • Please ensure that orders are signed so they are visible.
  • Please ensure expected dates and instructions are included in order, if appropriate.

When Printing Is Still Required

There may be circumstances where a printed copy is necessary, such as when tests are ordered for third-party collection (e.g., out-of-province or private lab), or at a Continuing Care or Corrections site that uses external orders. In these cases, the workflow for how to print (or reprint) a requisition from the "Chart Review" activity is detailed in the below resource: 
Also, if a paper requisition was previously required for an external send out to a specialty referral laboratory (e.g., Canadian Blood Services' requisition for perinatal testing), this paper requisition will still be required.

How to Support Your Patients

If a patient indicates they plan to have their collection done at a private lab or outside of Alberta, print the requisition from Chart Review (ensuring "3rd Party Collect" is selected). Otherwise:
  • Print the AVS: Provide the patient with a copy of the AVS and point out that it includes their lab orders, instructions, and other relevant details needed to book their lab appointment.   
  • Encourage MyChart use: Point out that there is a MyChart section called “Upcoming Tests and Procedures”, where patients can see all lab tests ordered by their provider (click the camera icon to see an example screenshot). Patients can also access the AVS via their MyChart. 

If patients have not yet activated their MyChart account (as seen via the MyChart status icon in the patient chart Storyboard), encourage them to do so. For details on how to check a patient's MyChart account status and send a patient access instructions, see the tip sheet:

More Information

For any prescriber workflow-related issues, contact Help Desk at 1-877-31-4300 and submit a ticket. For more information, see the tip sheet/FAQ and bulletin.

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2025-09-19

Phased Replacement of IMPAX Viewer - Calgary Zone Next

As previously posted, Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PEI) is replacing the IMPAX system as the new Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS). The final phase of implementation will be in Calgary Zone, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. With PEI implementation, OrthoView will also replace MediCAD as the orthopedic templating software. 

  • PEI Implementation
    • After PEI implementation, many medical staff will view diagnostic images and reports via the XERO Viewer in Connect Care.
    • Training is required to access PEI; training is available through MyLearningLink (MLL). Calgary Zone physicians and staff who require PEI access should be able to see the PEI course in their MLL.
    • If your role requires emergent access to images and you do not have the course in your MLL, please contact ProvincialEnterpriseImaging@ahs.ca. 
  • OrthoView Implementation

    • OrthoView is an advanced orthopedic planning tool integrated within PEI.
    • To learn more about OrthoView, see the poster for links to resources, including a recorded 1-hour OrthoView training session. 
    • Live training for OrthoView is available September 10, 16, and 22. To register, please email ProvincialEnterpriseImaging@ahs.ca.

For more information, see the posters. 

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On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-09-12

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last two weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-09-11

Changes to Discharge Planning Tools

As part of the Fall 2025 Upgrade, a number of enhancements are made to Connect Care's discharge planning tools. These simplify user experiences, speed data updates, and ensure consistency across workflows. 

While the greatest change relates to how nursing and Allied Health track readiness for discharge, prescribers should note updates to the discharge-planning sidebar, multidisciplinary readiness “traffic lights”, and standardization of discharge disposition options.

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2025-09-09

Enhancements to Summative Document (Inpatient Notes) Delivery

Starting September 11, 2025, Connect Care is introducing improvements that give authoring providers greater control over how inpatient notes are routed. 

  • Authors will be able to:
    • view all automatic recipients, 
    • add additional providers as needed, 
    • choose delivery methods (eDelivery, Fax, Mail, or In Basket), and 
    • send a broader range of inpatient note types, including sensitive ones.
  • As a result of these improvements, automatic routing of some summative documents to authors will be disabled, as authors will have the option to include themselves as recipients. 
  • The six summative document types (Discharge Summaries, ED Provider Notes, etc.) will continue to be automatically routed to the patient’s primary care provider (PCP) to support continuity of care.

If you need support, contact the Alberta Health Services Solution Centre at 1-877-311-4300.

For more information, see: 

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PAC Optimization Project Launching October 21

The Preadmission Clinic (PAC) Optimization Project will launch on October 21, 2025, bringing important updates to pre-procedure workflows that directly affect prescribers across surgical and non-surgical specialties. These changes are designed to improve scheduling accuracy, reduce late cancellations, and streamline ordering. 

This project affects over 3,500 prescribers across Alberta, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, proceduralists, and others. The CMIO Prescriber Experience and Training Team is committed to supporting you through these changes.

Key Changes for Prescribers

Prescribers will see updates to the following (see the PAC Optimization Project page in the Connect Care Manual for more details). The order set changes will break existing personalization, so prescribers will need to re-personalize their order sets.

  • Case Request Order: New questions and layout changes.
  • PAC Appointment Request: Will be a standalone order.
  • Preprocedure Order Sets: Revised with new and updated orders. 
  • PAC Orders in Preprocedure Sets: All PAC orders will be signed and held.

Support for Re-Personalization

To help prescribers navigate these changes, there will be various levels of support available (see the PAC Optimization Project Manual page for more details):

What You Can Do Now

  • Review your current order sets and prepare for re-personalization.
  • Watch the PAC Optimization Project page in the Connect Care Manual for updates closer to launch.
  • Bookmark Help Desk contact info for launch week.

For questions or personalized support, contact:

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2025-09-08

Fall 2025 Upgrade: 4 New Things in Connect Care for Inpatient Users

As previously posted, the Fall 2025 Upgrade to the Connect Care clinical information system will occur on September 11, with changes to most Connect Care applications. Slide decks with general and track-specific summaries are available in the downtime notice and the Connect Care Manual. 

In addition to those detailed summaries, a short video highlighting four of the key changes for the Inpatient context is now available! It goes through the new orders taskbar, ability to easily graph patient lab results, ability to create customized Results Review views, and increased functionality of the Search bar.

If you have a few minutes, check it out.

2025-09-05

All User Bulletin - Internet Security Certificate Update (Action May Be Needed)

All-user-bulletins highlight stumbling blocks that all prescribers need to be aware of when using the Connect Care clinical information system.

Internet Security Certificate Update - Personal devices may require user action

On September 4 and 5, 2025, AHS IT Identity-Directory Services will renew its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate servers. This PKI service manages electronic security certificates and unique electronic keys that verify end users, devices, systems and servers throughout AHS and its affiliates. AHS devices and personal devices enrolled in the AHS Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program should not be impacted, but personal devices not enrolled in BYOD may be impacted and require user action. Prescribers who haven't yet done so may want to consider enrolling their device in BYOD prior to this change.

  • AHS devices and personal devices enrolled in BYOD: No action is required by users if their computer or mobility device is enrolled in BYOD. PKI certificates will be automatically updated.
  • Personal devices not enrolled in BYOD: Both Android and Apple devices may be impacted by this change. Users may see warnings to the effect that a security certificate cannot be verified, and will then need to follow a few simple steps on or after September 5 to restore AHSRestrict wireless connectivity following the PKI update (see memo for more details).

For instructions for affected users on what actions may be required, see the memo.

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2025-09-04

Using Generative AI Safely at AHS

The CMIO's Physician Design Lead for artificial intelligence (AI), Dr. Darren Hudson, has produced an instructional video for clinicians on using generative AI safely at AHS. 

In the video, Dr. Hudson first walks us through the basics of what generative AI is, what some potential issues of using generative AI are, and what form of generative AI is available and approved for use at AHS (i.e., Microsoft Copilot Chat). He then demos a variety of Copilot functions and answers common questions clinicians may have about using AI. 

If you have a few minutes, take a look! IT also has a number of 1-hour Virtual Office Hours sessions on Copilot coming up in September and October, for anyone wanting to ask further questions. Registration information and other IT resources available on Copilot are linked below. 

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2025-08-29

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-08-28

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 20 Now Available

Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts", summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Fall Upgrade (September 11) - updates, transparent lockdown, and downtime
  • Upcoming Connect Care changes (also September 11):
    • Delivery of summative documents (inpatient notes)
    • Discharge planning tools
  • Upcoming changes from IT (beginning September):
    • Internet security certificate update (action may be needed for personal devices)
    • Switch to Microsoft 365 web apps for shared AHS computers
  • Central Zone Associate Chief Medical Information Officer announcement
  • September Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes
  • Ketorolac Injection/Oral Ibuprofen Drug Stewardship initiative and related Connect Care changes
  • "Collateral Visit Provided" referral request rejection reason
  • Holter monitor orders for rural patients
  • Viewing diagnostic images with Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PEI)/Xero Viewer
  • Printing from Connect Care using a BYOD device
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email. 

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2025-08-27

Upcoming Change for Users of Shared AHS Computers - Microsoft 365 Web Apps

In 2025, approximately 80% of physicians, staff, and volunteers at AHS and affiliate organizations are transitioning to Microsoft 365 (M365) web apps for improved security and cost-efficiency. IT is in the final stages of this transition, and prescribers affected by this will begin transitioning in early September, expecting to be completed by November 2025.

Does This Affect You?

There are three prescriber types in relation to the switch to M365 web apps, each with different use cases and impacts. All prescriber types will continue to access AHS Microsoft files using their AHS credentials.

  • "Independent" prescribers (use personal- or professional-licensed Microsoft apps on a personal device): No change, no action needed
  • "Deskless" prescribers (use AHS shared computer): Will be switching to M365 web apps, see summary of changes below
  • "Desked" prescribers (use assigned/dedicated AHS computer): No change, welcome to learn about and use M365 web apps

For "Deskless" Prescribers Switching to M365 Web Apps
  • Prescribers who use only shared computers will switch to using the web versions of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word for creating and editing files. 
  • Will only be able to view and print documents using the desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • The web apps function differently than the desktop versions, especially for tasks like opening, editing, and downloading files. 
  • Emails will be sent to your AHS or affiliate mailbox 1 week and 1 day prior to the change with detailed information and supporting resources.
  • We recommend investing time in learning to use the M365 web apps. They are fast, integrated with the cloud, and secure.
For more information on the switch to M365 web apps, see:
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2025-08-26

Announcement: Central Zone Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, Dr. Hannes Conradie

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Hannes Conradie has joined the Chief Medical Information Office team as the new Associate Chief Medical Information Officer (aCMIO) for the Central Zone.

Hannes is a family physician with a strong background in hospitalist medicine, palliative care, addictions, and Medical Assistance in Dying. Hannes received his medical education at the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992 and came to Canada a couple years later, spending his first Canadian winter in Newfoundland. After serving the communities in Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia for nearly 20 years combined, Hannes has called Red Deer and the Red Deer Regional Hospital home for the past 12 years, having found the work culture and camaraderie among the physicians there rather unique. Since 2015, Hannes has been the Lead Physician for the Red Deer Hospitalist Group, and since 2017 has been a Connect Care Medical Informatics Lead for the Central Zone.

Outside the professional sphere, Hannes enjoys camping in the mountains with his wife and dogs, as well as hiking, golfing, and spending time with close friends.

As he moves into the aCMIO role, Hannes is excited to help lead the next phase in Central Zone’s Connect Care journey, particularly in improving user experience for prescribers and exploring the use of interactive AI functionality within Connect Care.

Please join us in welcoming Hannes to our team! We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Aaron Pink for his service in the role of aCMIO Central Zone for the past year and half. Thankfully, he is not leaving us and we will continue to benefit from his expertise in his ongoing role as a Provincial Medical Informatics Lead (PMIL).

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2025-08-22

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-08-21

All User Bulletin - Lab Results Automatically Resent Without Changes

All-user-bulletins highlight stumbling blocks that all physicians need to be aware of when using the Connect Care clinical information system.

Lab Results Automatically Resent Without Changes 

In the process of cleaning up old panels in Connect Care, 460,000 stale lab orders (older than 1 year) were recently deleted. This, however, triggered 909 labs being automatically re-resulted to the orderer. There was no change to these results, and the affected orderers have not been contacted by Lab directly.

If prescribers have any questions about a re-resulted lab, please call the AHS Service Desk at 1-877-311-4300.

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2025-08-08

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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Best Practice Review - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Connect Care Printing

AHS IT provides best effort support for BYOD/personal laptops such as Macbooks or Microsoft Surface devices. There are two ways for BYOD users to print documents from Connect Care; however, only one is supported and recommended by AHS IT:

  • Virtual Local Printing (VLP) - This method requires the user to select a printer for each print job. It is the only method supported by AHS IT for printing from Connect Care on BYOD devices.
  • Server-Side Printing - This method requires mapping a particular device to a printer; once mapped, print jobs from that device would automatically route to a pre-mapped printer. Server-side printing from Connect Care on BYOD devices is not supported by AHS IT.

Why isn’t BYOD server-side printing supported?

Server-side printing requires workstations to stay in the same unit and have unique names. As neither of these conditions is guaranteed for BYOD devices, multiple users with the same default BYOD device name could potentially print to the same printer, regardless of their department location. This creates a major risk for privacy breaches.

How to get printing support for your BYOD device

If you need help setting up Virtual Local Printing, see the below tip sheet or call the AHS Service Desk at 1-877-311-4300. Please do not request server-side printing for BYOD devices. 

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2025-08-01

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last three weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-07-31

New eLearning Module - Documenting Patient Contacts, Capacity and Decision-Making

A new eLearning module, Epic – Consent & eForms Navigator – Documenting Patient Contacts, Capacity and Decision Making, is now available within MyLearningLink for all users. This module provides an overview of documenting patient contacts, patient capacity, and decision-makers is Connect Care. 

While existing practice requirements and expectations remain the same, the course offers step-by-step support as well as some complex scenario examples. Users can skip ahead to any section, depending on what scenario they are most interested in or require just-in-time support with. While not a required eLearning, completion of this module is strongly recommended to help minimize risk in contexts of capacity and decision-making. 

Users can access the module by logging in to MyLearningLink, navigating to "Required Courses", and looking within the Connect Care Enrichment role. Alternatively, it can be searched for with the eLearning module name.

Please contact ConnectCare.Consent@ahs.ca with any questions.

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2025-07-17

UPDATE - New Discharge Transfer Gateway Clarifies Transfer and Discharge Workflows

We previously posted about release of a new "Discharge Transfer Gateway" for inpatient charts opened by prescribers. The intent is to better guide clinicians through workflows for transferring patients within facilities (hospitals) as well as from one facility to another; with specific provisions for destinations with or without Connect Care information services.

Since release, we've received optimization requests, with the following enhancements now implemented:

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2025-07-11

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-07-04

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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Upgrade to Citrix MyApps Store - Tuesday July 8, 2025, 18:00-19:00 (Action May Be Needed)

Remote access to clinical applications, including Connect Care, happens through a software application called Citrix Workspace, accessed via the Citrix MyApps Store. The MyApps Store will have a scheduled upgrade on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 18:00 to 19:00. This upgrade introduces a refreshed user interface and some important changes to functionality that may impact prescribers. Access to Connect Care will continue during the upgrade without interruption. 

  • Favourited Icons Reset: Most favourited icons will be removed from the desktop. The applications will still be available from the upgraded MyApps Store; users can re-favourite as needed following the upgrade (see the 1-pager for instructions). 
    • PRD and PLY will remain favourited.
  • Citrix Session Persistence: The “Session Persistence Disabled” option will no longer be available, meaning a user's Citrix session will now automatically follow them from one device to another. I.e., when logging in to a different device, your Citrix session (and Connect Care) will open as well.
    • With this change, users will no longer be able to be logged in on more than one computer at the same time, to avoid unintentionally "stealing" someone else’s Connect Care session. 
    • This change does not impact Citrix sessions on auto logon computers.
  • Citrix Issue Resolution: If an issue with Citrix is encountered on one device (e.g., Computer A), switching to another device (e.g., Computer B) will not resolve the issue. Instead, users should:
    • Try logging off and back on, or rebooting.
    • Contact the AHS Service Desk for support if the issue persists.
Following the upgrade, if unable to launch the MyApps Store or desktop icons aren’t working, log out of the computer and log back in. If you require further information or assistance, please contact the AHS Service Desk at 1-877-311-4300.

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2025-06-30

New Discharge Transfer Gateway to Replace Transfer and Discharge Navigators

As of June 26, 2025, a new “Discharge Transfer Gateway” can be found in all patient charts opened to an inpatient encounter. The Gateway replaces the prior “Transfer” and “Discharge” navigators. It provides simple instructions, together with help and other links to supporting information, to help prescribers select the best tool for facilitating patient journeys to different destinations. These include discharge to home, within-facility transfers, and inter-facility transfers (IFTs). For IFTs, the Gateway provides distinct pathways for Connect Care and non-Connect Care destinations, and whether the transfer is within Alberta or out-of-province. Selecting the best path ensures that the right information is reviewed, actions are taken and documentation is completed. 

The new Gateway has three main sections, detailed below (click the camera icon to see a screenshot). Note there may be variances for some specialties (e.g., ASAP, Critical Care).

  • Discharge from Current Facility – Includes 2 subsections:
    • Home or Community Services
    • Deceased 
  • Transfer within Current Facility – For all intra-facility transfers
  • Send to Another Facility – Includes 5 subsections, with 4 for IFTs:
    • Leave of Absence
    • Acute Care Facility within Alberta – For IFTs to an in-province acute care facility 
    • Acute Care Facility outside of Alberta – For IFTs to an out-of-province acute care facility
    • Continuing Care Facility within Alberta, Connect Care – For IFTs to an in-province Continuing Care facility that uses Connect Care
    • Continuing Care Facility within Alberta, NOT Connect Care – For IFTs to an in-province Continuing Care facility that does NOT use Connect Care 

This change affects all inpatient Connect Care configurations. The Clinician Manual is updated with revised tip sheets and demos. 

Prescribers continue to have the ability to personalize chart activity tabs, including favouriting individual tabs for the discharge, deceased and transfer navigators.

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2025-06-27

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-06-26

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 19 Now Available

Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts", summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • July Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes
  • New tool for inpatient transitions of care: Discharge Transfer Gateway
  • Improvements to Mental Health Act Forms and workflows
  • Ambulatory referral edits
  • New Connect Quality project for CPSA PPIP requirements: Quality Discharge Documentation
  • New Pre-Admission Clinic navigator for General Internal Medicine coming soon
  • Upcoming upgrade to Dragon Medical One, may require action to change display settings
  • Upcoming changes for immunosuppressant medication ordering
  • Upcoming changes to Citrix MyApps Store, may require re-favouriting
  • Using QuickActions to manage In Basket tasks
  • Auto-deletion of unsigned pended/saved inpatient orders
  • New resources on Mobile Lab ordering and managing outpatient labs and orders
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email. Note there will not be a July issue, so the next will be in August.

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2025-06-24

Connect Quality - New CPSA PPIP Project Now Available on Discharge Documentation

Connect Quality is a free program created by the Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) to help you meet your College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Physician Practice Improvement Program (PPIP) project requirements! Our goal is to make your work easier. We have organized the resources, training, reporting tools, and documentation required for you to meet CPSA PPIP requirements, so you can focus on looking after your patients.

Four Connect Quality projects are currently available, covering the activities CPSA requires physicians to complete over a 5-year cycle: 

  • In Basket Turnaround Time for the practice-driven quality improvement activity;
  • Problem List Maintenance and (new!) Quality Discharge Documentation, both for the CPSA's Standards of Practice quality improvement activity; and, 
  • User Settings to Improve Efficiency and Well-Being, for the personal development activity. 
For each project, Connect Quality provides:
  • A guide that outlines viewing objective data and metrics within Connect Care. This includes within Signal, as well as in-system Dashboards.
  • An example Action Plan.
  • Interventions that can be selected including Optimization classes, and self-study options.
  • A template that can be used to document all CPSA requirements.

…And have we mentioned that Connect Quality is FREE?!

Sign up today at connectquality.ca! For more information, reach out to your Site Medical Informatics Lead (Site MIL) or email CMIO.Optimization@ahs.ca.

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2025-06-20

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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Upcoming Webinar: Improving the Quality of Discharge Summaries

As part of the Alberta Medical Association's "Transitions in Care Talk" webinar series that explores evidence-informed practices to support patients transitioning from home to hospital and back home, a session on Improving the Quality of Discharge Summaries will be taking place on June 25, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00.

This virtual session will be hosted by AMA-ACTT and presented by Primary Care Alberta, and will feature speakers from the Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) Prescriber Experience and Medical Informatics Team.
  • Learning objectives of webinar:
    • Understand the benefits and challenges of sending, receiving and acting on discharge summaries in acute care, primary care and assisted living settings.
    • Learn about a newly developed quality improvement tool for physicians that works toward practice-driven or CPSA Standards of Practice quality improvement Physician Practice Improvement Program (PPIP) activities.
  • This webinar is designed for:
    • Primary care physicians and clinic teams
    • Acute care physicians and clinic teams
    • Nurse practitioners and other providers
    • Panel managers
    • Practice facilitators
Visit the AMA website to register, and to see related resources:
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2025-06-13

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-05-30

On Other Channels...

Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here. 

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2025-05-29

BBHR: Improving Prescriber Continuity of Care Communications

Building a Better Health Record (BBHR)

As part of our documentation quality improvement initiative, we promote practical ways for clinicians to provide clear and actionable communication at transitions of care.

Workflows for Prescriber Continuity of Care Communications 

Prior postings describe tools that can help clinicians request or confirm primary care services for patients. A related workflow helps clinicians seek or confirm continuity of care for patients leaving hospital or transferring between clinics or providers. 

A Continuity of Care letter can facilitate properly documented transfers of care between prescribers, when a full referral workflow is not appropriate or needed. Optional chart content (e.g., patient care coordination note, consult note) can be selected to support the communication.

For more information:

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      2025-05-28

      New Lab Ordering Resources

      Two new resources for lab ordering are now available on the Learning Home Dashboard (under "Specialty Guides – Lab Ordering"), as well as the Connect Care Manual.

      • Managing Outpatient Labs and Orders: This new guide outlines the steps prescribers can follow to review all uncollected labs and make modifications to them as needed (including discontinuing orders and changing dates of collection and expiry). It also includes tips on duplicate order warnings and making orders clear so that what the prescriber wants is collected, when they want. 

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      Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 18 Now Available

      Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts", summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

      • June Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes, including new Dragon Medical One class
      • Calgary in-person drop-ins for Connect Quality demos (June 2-3)
      • Workspace ONE Catalog app retired, replaced with Hub
      • Panniculectomy case ordering requirements
      • Alberta Blue Cross Drug Special Authorization forms now digitized
      • Multi-factor authentication for Microsoft 365 apps on personal workstations
      • IFT navigator and Continuity of Care workflow enhancements coming soon
      • Auto expiry of additional In Basket message types coming soon
      • Study on Connect Care alerts and rules wins award
      • The CMIO's My.Health.Alberta.ca content team wins major North American award for excellence in plain language communication
      • How to find your Site Medical Informatics Lead (Site MIL)
      • And more!

      The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

      If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.

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      Multi Factor Authentication for Microsoft 365 Apps Accessed from Personal Workstations

      As of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) will be required when users access Microsoft 365 (M365) applications - i.e., the web versions of Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive - from personal workstations such as laptops. This change may prompt MFA when accessing CMIO and other AHS resource links, as most of our materials are hosted on SharePoint; however, links clicked from within Connect Care will not prompt MFA.

      What is changing and why?

      AHS IT is restoring Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for Microsoft 365 (M365) applications accessed from personal workstations such as laptops. MFA was previously required for M365 apps, but was temporarily removed in December 2024 while AHS' SharePoint was migrated to the cloud. The migration process is now largely complete, and so M365 MFA is being reactivated to align with AHS' security policies. 

      This change does not impact shared workstations, or any other applications including Connect Care.

      What action do you need to take?

      The M365 MFA will be triggered only on personal workstations when accessing the web versions of Microsoft software; this includes opening a Microsoft web app (e.g., Outlook) as well as opening a document created by/saved on Microsoft software (e.g., a Word file, or a document saved on SharePoint) on your browser. Users will be prompted for personal login as usual, and then prompted for MFA confirmation (such as a code texted to a mobile phone). Once the MFA step is complete, the user will not need to re-authenticate for at least 6 hours. 

      • Tip: When accessing SharePoint, please select "Keep me signed in" when prompted, to allow for even longer timeout.
      Problems?

      If you have any issues with M365 MFA, please contact the IT Service Desk (1-877-311-4300).

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