2024-03-28

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 5 Now Available

We previously posted about our new monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts". This newsletter 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.

Our next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Optimization Training classes in April
  • Webinars on billing in Connect Care (April 10, 16, 23)
  • Administration revisions and chart completion
  • An upcoming initiative that can help meet your CPSA requirements
  • How to schedule an immediate first dose when ordering a new medication
  • Interval H&P notes
  • 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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2024-03-26

Chart Correction - Completion of Administrative Revisions on Behalf of Healthcare Providers

As of April 1, 2024, the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Health Information Management (HIM) Chart Correction team will be able to revise some Connect Care clinical documentation errors on behalf of healthcare providers. Previously, providers were prompted via In Basket messages to do this work. The new initiative (see AHS Clinical Documentation Policy and Procedure 1173-01; Section 7.2a) will decrease In Basket and administrative burdens for healthcare providers for 10 categories of revisions:

  • Revise spelling of patient name (e.g., "Shawn" vs. "Shaun" or "Sean")
  • Revise incorrect patient name (e.g., report states "Ralph" but patient’s name is "Zach")
  • Revise left vs. right, and vice versa
  • Revise incorrect ULI 
  • Revise incorrect Out of Province Health Care Number
  • Revise patient age
  • Revise date of:
    • Admission
    • Discharge
    • Deceased
    • Birth

The Chart Correction team will continue to notify the authoring provider, as needed, for other types of errors (e.g., selections within SmartLists).

For more information:

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2024-03-19

Optimization Training - March/April Sessions Available

We previously posted that the CMIO Training team is now offering Optimization classes (previously called Thrive classes), where Connect Care prescribers can learn how to take full advantage of the features of the clinical information system, to help maximize their productivity and spend more time with patients. The Optimization classes are 30 to 60 minutes in length each, and focus on completing common workflows more efficiently. 

We have added a few additional sessions on In Basket management, and have expanded our selection of classes. Edit (Mar 19): As some sessions have already filled up and additional dates have been added, the information below has been updated.

  • Orders
    • April 10, 2024, 09:00–10:00
    • April 11, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • New: April 15, 2024, 12:30–13:30
    • New: April 17, 2024, 11:00–12:00
    • New: April 25, 2024, 09:00–10:00
  • Notes
    • March 27, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • April 2, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • April 10, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • New: April 16, 2024, 10:00–11:00
    • New: April 24, 2024, 12:00–13:00
  • In Basket Management
    • New: April 8, 2024, 09:00–10:00
    • New: April 15, 2024, 11:00–12:00
  • Therapy Plans
    • April 29, 2024, 12:00–13:00
  • New: Letters to Netcare
    • April 8, 2024, 10:30–11:00

Prescribers can register for these Optimization classes at the below link. Spots are limited in order to ensure trainers can address individual questions. Please ensure that you review your confirmation email from "Bookings CMIO Thrive" for the class link, and requirements for the session.

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2024-03-15

On Other Channels...

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2024-03-01

On Other Channels...

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2024-02-26

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 4 Now Available

We previously posted about our new monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts". This newsletter 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.

Our next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Hyperdrive rollout (February 28)
  • Daylight Savings Time (March 10)
  • Ordering non-standard medications
  • Data quality
  • Updating inpatient provider care team and service
  • Blog screenshots
  • 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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Connect Care Hyperdrive Upgrade - Phase 3, Wednesday February 28, 2024

We previously posted about the upcoming move from our existing “Hyperspace” version of Epic to a newer version called “Hyperdrive”. The move to Hyperdrive is happening in three phases between February 13 and 28, with phases 1 and 2 including small groups of AHS acute care sites/programs, and everyone else being included in phase 3. 

Phase 3 will switch to Hyperdrive as of Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 07:00. Phase 3 includes all Connect Care users who were not part of phases 1 and 2. All prescribers from these sites will have received an email indicating that they are part of phase 3. 

ALL PHASES - USE ORIGINAL CONNECT CARE ICON

Starting February 28 at 07:00, the original red "CC" icon used in the past to log in to Connect Care will launch Hyperdrive, for all users (phases 1 to 3). 
  • Phase 3: To ensure the red CC icon opens the new Hyperdrive environment, if in a Hyperspace session at 07:00, phase 3 users should end their Hyperspace session ("x" out and close the login window), wait 30 seconds, then reopen their session by clicking on the same red icon. 
    • Note: Phase 3 users may have noticed another (orange) icon on their screen previous to February 28, which phases 1 and 2 used temporarily. Phase 3 users will not be using this icon to log in to Connect Care. 
  • Phases 1 and 2: As of February 28, the temporary orange "CC HD" icon used to launch Hyperdrive will be disabled, and phases 1 and 2 users will switch back to the original red CC icon. 
    • Note: The temporary orange icon may still be visible after 07:00 on February 28; however, if clicked on, an error message will appear.

Virtual Drop-In Centre

The CMIO will be providing virtual drop-in support for prescribers on weekdays throughout the Hyperdrive rollout period, at the below times: 

  • February 26–March 1, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00
  • March 4–8, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00

After-hours/weekend support will also be available through the Helpdesk. For more information, see the Hyperdrive Upgrade section of the Manual.

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Coming Soon – “Signal” Button

Select Connect Care prescribers will soon have access to Signal, an Epic-hosted web application that allows ambulatory and inpatient users to measure and improve their efficiency in using Epic. Epic uses inclusion criteria to automatically select which users can benefit from this function. Connect Care prescribers will know if they have access if they can see their data after clicking the “Signal” button at the top of their screen (click the icon below to see a screenshot). 

More information on Signal will be posted soon to the Connect Care Manual and the Connect Care blog channels.

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2024-02-19

Connect Care Hyperdrive Upgrade - Phase 2, Wednesday February 21, 2024

We previously posted about the upcoming move from our existing “Hyperspace” version of Epic to a newer version called “Hyperdrive”. The move to Hyperdrive is happening in three phases between February 13 and 28, with phases 1 and 2 including small groups of AHS acute care sites/programs, and everyone else being included in phase 3. 

Phase 2 will switch to Hyperdrive as of Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 07:00. Phase 2 includes users from Cross Cancer Institute, Grande Cache Community Health Complex, Manning Community Health Centre, Peter Lougheed Centre, and South Calgary Health Centre (Urgent Care only). All prescribers from these sites will have received an email indicating that they are part of phase 2. 

PHASE 2 - CONNECT CARE ICONS

  • February 21 to 27: Starting February 21 at 07:00, all phase 2 users should log in to Connect Care using the new "CC HD" orange icon, until the end of the Hyperdrive rollout (February 28). 
    • The original icon will remain on the devices for phase 2 sites during this time, but should not be used by phase 2 users during the Hyperdrive rollout period.  
  • February 28: On February 28 at 07:00, the new icon will be removed and phase 2 users will then go back to using the original icon to log in to Connect Care. As of February 28 at 07:00, the original icon will launch Hyperdrive for all users (phases 1 to 3).

Virtual Drop-In Centre

The CMIO will be providing virtual drop-in support for prescribers on weekdays throughout the Hyperdrive rollout period, at the below times: 

  • February 19–23, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00
  • February 26–March 1, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00
  • March 4–8, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00

After-hours/weekend support will also be available through the Helpdesk. For more information, see the Hyperdrive Upgrade section of the Manual.

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2024-02-16

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2024-02-09

Connect Care Hyperdrive Upgrade - Phase 1 and New Icons, Tuesday February 13, 2024

We previously posted about the upcoming move from our existing “Hyperspace” version of Epic to a newer version called “Hyperdrive”. The move to Hyperdrive will happen in three phases between February 13 and 28, with phases 1 and 2 including small groups of AHS acute care sites/programs, and everyone else being included in phase 3. 

Phase 1 will switch to Hyperdrive as of Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 07:00. Phase 1 includes users from East Edmonton Health Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, and Royal Alexandra Hospital. All prescribers from these sites will have received an email indicating that they are part of phase 1. 

PHASE 1 - CONNECT CARE ICONS

  • February 13 to 27: Starting February 13 at 07:00, all phase 1 users (and only phase 1 users) should log in to Connect Care using the new "CC HD" orange icon, until the end of the Hyperdrive rollout (February 28). If you are a phase 1 user and do not see the new icon on your screen at 07:00 on February 13, please restart your device.
    • The original icon will remain on the devices for phase 1 sites during this time, but should not be used by phase 1 users during the Hyperdrive rollout period.  
  • February 28: On February 28 at 07:00, the new icon will be removed and phase 1 users will then go back to using the original icon to log in to Connect Care. As of February 28 at 07:00, the original icon will launch Hyperdrive for all users (phases 1 to 3).

Virtual Drop-In Centre

The CMIO will be providing virtual drop-in support for prescribers on weekdays throughout the Hyperdrive rollout period, at the below times: 

  • February 13–16, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00
  • February 19–23, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00
  • February 26–March 1, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00
  • March 4–8, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00

After-hours/weekend support will also be available through the Helpdesk. For more information, see the Hyperdrive Upgrade section of the Manual.

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2024-02-02

Optimization Training - Additional Sessions Available

We previously posted that the CMIO Training team is now offering Optimization classes (previously called Thrive classes), where Connect Care prescribers can learn how to take full advantage of the features of the clinical information system, to help maximize their productivity and spend more time with patients. The Optimization classes are 30 to 60 minutes in length each, and focus on completing common workflows more efficiently. 

As our initial offerings quickly filled, we have added a few additional sessions on In Basket management and Therapy plans:

  • In Basket Management
    • February 7, 2024, 08:00
    • February 20, 2024, 12:00
  • Therapy Plans
    • April 29, 2024, 12:00

Prescribers can register for these Optimization classes at the below link. Spots are limited in order to ensure trainers can address individual questions. Please ensure that you review your confirmation email from "Bookings CMIO Thrive" for the class link, and requirements for the session.

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2024-01-31

All User Bulletin - Connect Care Fax Application Issues

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

Connect Care Fax Application Issues

Outbound faxes sent directly from Connect Care (including eFaxed prescriptions) are handled by the RightFax application. Connect Care users are currently experiencing issues with RightFax. Outbound faxes are unable to send, and some users are reporting issues with receiving inbound faxes. 

For urgent referrals and urgent ambulatory prescriptions, please send via secure email or phone call. Technical teams are engaged and working towards a solution. We will provide an update here when available. 

Update:  The RightFax outage has been resolved and new faxes are successfully sending through. AHS IT is currently undergoing remediation work to retrieve and deliver faxes sent during this period, however exact timelines for completion are unknown at this time. If you sent an urgent fax (e.g. urgent referral or urgent ambulatory prescription) during this period, please follow up by secure email or phone. eDelivery of results to outpatient EMR, Netcare or Connect Care are not impacted. If you have any questions or need support, please contact the IT Contact Centre 1-877-311-4300 or through ServiceHub.

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2024-01-29

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 3 Now Available

We previously posted about our new monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts". This newsletter 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.

Our next issue is now out, available at the below link! 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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2024-01-23

Connect Care Hyperdrive Upgrade - Phased Rollout Begins February 13, 2024

Through our surveys and engagement sessions, we’ve heard from you that we need to do more work on optimizing the Connect Care system. An important first step in this process is moving from our existing “Hyperspace” version of Epic to a newer version called “Hyperdrive”, which clinical users around the world have found to be faster, more responsive, and streamlined. The new version will also enable us to complete some enhancement work in areas like results delivery to prescribers that the older version did not allow. All patient records will continue to be stored on secure servers within Alberta; Hyperdrive provides increased security in protecting these servers. 

When is this happening?

The move to Hyperdrive will happen in three phases, from February 13, 2024 to February 28, 2024. The first two phases will include small groups of AHS acute care sites/programs, to ensure any technical issues can be addressed before all other sites using Connect Care move to Hyperdrive. More information will be sent to each site according to what phase they are in, and notices for each phase with links to resources will be posted to this blog channel.

Beginning February 13, 2024, every Connect Care user will see TWO icons on their screen. Please do NOT click on the new icon to access Connect Care unless you have been instructed to do so as part of the phased upgrade to Hyperdrive. When the rollout is complete, the new icon will be removed and the original will be used by all users to access Connect Care.

  • Phase 1 – begins on February 13, 2024, includes 3 sites:
    • East Edmonton Health Centre
    • Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital 
    • Royal Alexandra Hospital
  • Phase 2 – begins on February 21, 2024, includes 5 sites:
    • Cross Cancer Institute 
    • Grande Cache Community Health Complex 
    • Manning Community Health Centre
    • Peter Lougheed Centre
    • South Calgary Health Centre (Urgent Care only)
  • Phase 3 – begins on February 28, 2024
    • All other Connect Care sites

What is changing?

Initially, you may not notice a significant functional difference between Hyperspace and Hyperdrive. There will be changes to the look and feel of the screens you use in your daily work, and some workflows will also be streamlined. A comprehensive summary of the changes are available in a slide deck, which includes links to tip sheets hosted by Epic; users will need to have an Epic account to view them. A 4-minute video highlighting the changes is also available.

What supports are available to prepare for the upgrade?

The CMIO will be providing virtual drop-in support for prescribers on weekdays throughout the rollout period, and after-hours/weekend support will be available through the Helpdesk. For more information, see the Hyperdrive Upgrade section of the Manual.

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2024-01-08

Optimization Training - Upcoming "Thrive" Classes

In January 2024, the CMIO Training team will begin to offer "Thrive" classes (also called optimization sessions) for Connect Care prescribers. After going live with Connect Care, many prescribers can benefit from additional support to help take full advantage of the features of the clinical information system, maximizing their productivity and allowing them to spend more time with patients.  

The Thrive classes will be 30 to 60 minutes in length each and will focus on completing common workflows more efficiently. In January, we will begin to offer sessions focusing on In Basket management and Therapy Plans. We will be adding other Thrive classes moving forward; information will be added to the Connect Care Manual when available. 

Prescribers can register for Thrive classes at the below link. Spots are limited in order to ensure trainers can address individual questions. Please ensure that you review your confirmation email from "Bookings CMIO Thrive" for the class link, and requirements for the session.

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2023-12-15

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

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2023-12-13

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 2 Now Available

We previously posted about our new monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts". This newsletter 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.

Our next issue is now out, available at the below link! The previous issue 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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2023-12-08

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

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2023-12-07

CMIO Optimization Support for Connect Care Users

With 11,174 professionals having completed Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) training for Connect Care, the CMIO has developed a four-tier optimization training strategy to foster continuous learning for those in previous launches (Waves 1-3 and Launches 4-7). 

All Connect Care users who fall under the scope of CMIO training will be able to access optimization support via their local leadership. Users can combine facets of optimization from any tier, in any order, to best address their unique needs. 

In Tiers 1 and 3, users can drive their own learning through the available resources and modules; in Tiers 2 and 4, Medical Informatics Leads, Super Users, and Zone Clinical Department Heads will help champion this learning for their colleagues and staff.

For more information, see the Optimization Training page in the Connect Care Manual.

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2023-12-04

Improve Patient Care and Outcomes with Key Dashboards in Connect Care

Three new feedback dashboards are made available in Connect Care as part of the Acute Care Bundle Improvement (ACBI) Initiative, which helps clinicians and managers improve quality of care and patient outcomes (learn more about ACBI here). Most managers, prescribers, Quality Management teams and reporting users will have access to these dashboards.

  • Minimum Use Norms Feedback – Group and Personal Dashboards
    • "Minimum Use Norms" are a set of practices that all clinicians should follow to assure safe and equitable use of Connect Care. Without them, decision supports, documentation aids, and inquiry supports do not work to clinician or patient advantage.
    • The individual dashboard provides feedback about trends in norms compliance. This information can help clinicians identify potential workflow challenges and consider options for optimizing both the user's experience and the quality of the health record.
    • The group dashboard provides anonymized group data to clinical oversight groups (e.g., unit managers), again helping recognize opportunities for both Connect Care and workflow optimization.
  • Meaningful Use Norms Feedback - Group Dashboard
    • "Meaningful Use Norms" are about how a clinical information system is used in ways that promote improved quality and efficiency of care. They apply to all clinicians. Connect Care contains tools and supports for meaningful use, but these depend on good compliance with minimum use norms.

The ACBI Initiative is a provincial quality improvement project that aims to integrate, or "bundle" evidence-informed best-practice projects under a common framework and shared user supports. This integration and coordination makes improvement projects more consistent, aligned and manageable for providers and patients across AHS. Examples of patient experience goals include: 

  • Fewer unnecessary days spent in hospital. 
  • Fewer avoidable readmissions to the hospital after discharge. 
  • Safer continuity of care across transitions from home to hospital to community care.

For information about accessing and using to Minimum and Meaningful Use dashboards: 

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2023-11-30

Obtaining CPD Credit for Connect Care Training

Connect Care physician training is currently eligible for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, for self-directed and group learning activities. Credits through the College of Family Physicians of Canada have been offered in the past, however, they are currently unavailable. The CMIO is in the process of reviewing eligibility with the College of Family Physicians of Canada. When there is an update, we will post it here.

More information about available credit types and weights, together with procedures for claiming credits, is provided in a tip sheet, included in the Connect Care Manual:
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2023-11-24

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

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2023-11-17

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

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2023-11-14

All User Bulletin - PowerMic 4 Issues

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

PowerMic 4 Not Compatible on Thin Clients

Dragon Medical One (DMO) requires a microphone to function. Connect Care provides the PowerMic Mobile (PMM) application as the default microphone solution for prescribers, but some may prefer to use wired/USB microphones. USB microphones are not a standard offering at AHS, and microphone peripherals are the responsibility of the user to purchase as bring your own device (BYOD).

Prescribers across the zones have reported issues with using their PowerMic 4 with an AHS device. While the PowerMic 4 may work on personal devices and some AHS full clients, PowerMic 4 is not currently fully supported on all AHS devices. In particular, they are not supported on AHS thin clients, which are the more common type of workstation in the North Zone. 

The AHS technology teams are currently in the process of testing PowerMic 4. In the meantime, prescribers are encouraged to use other tools such as the PMM app, or a device that is certified as being compatible with all AHS devices, such as PowerMic 3; see the 1-pager for a list of all compatible devices. 

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2023-11-10

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2023-11-09

Issues with eScription

Some users have reported issues using the provincial eScription services. The in-system dictation system, Dragon Medical One, is strongly recommended for optimal user experience, and the eScription service will be decommissioned in the near future. 

If a clinician has to use eScription and experiences issues, refer to the Insite page for help, or contact IT Solution Center at 1-877-311-4300.

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2023-11-05

Launch 7: We are GO!

All Connect Care systems activated on time at 05:00! 

Today, Connect Care welcomes 79 sites from across the province into the family; with this launch, all acute care AHS sites are now on Connect Care! The first few days will be intense, but with lots of help at hand we are confident that progress will be fast. 

Prescribers, please make use of the drop-in centres and other launch supports (launchhelp.connect-care.ca). Watch this channel for any updates, as well as the Support channel for information on "hot topic" common issues that have been flagged for Launch 7 prescribers.

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2023-11-03

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