Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 66: Get Ready for Continuing Care Cutover

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Anticipate Continuing Care Cutover

Cutover for Continuing Care is a process through which key pieces of information about LTC residents are entered into Connect Care prior to launch. The primary concern for prescribers will be the management of medication and non-medication orders, and the translation of important information about patients’ clinical status from a paper record to an electronic one. There are different workflows depending on if you work in Designated Supported Living (DSL) or Long-Term Care (LTC) and whether your LTC has a contracted pharmacy or not; please see the relevant FAQ below.

Prescribers should anticipate, and mobilize resources for, two key tasks as part of Continuing Care cutover processes near launch:

1. September 11–27: Please support the clinical teams by signing non-medication orders forms and Facility Living medication order forms (replaces standing orders) when requested by the sites. This information which will be entered by the cutover nurses and dieticians October 10–28.
2. October 30–November 4: Validate entered orders the week before launch.

The following FAQs can help prescribers prepare for Continuing Care cutover activities:

• FAQ: Prescriber Role at Cutover – Launch 7 LTC
• FAQ: Prescriber Role at Cutover – Launch 7 DSL and LTC with Contracted Pharmacy
• Form: Cutover Non-Medication Orders (Continuing Care)
• Form: Facility Living Medication Orders
• Manual: Cutover
• Manual: Long-term Care Workflow Resources

Super User Development Sessions - A chance to learn new skills

Super Users help peers by promoting readiness activities, supporting training and providing “at the elbow” help prior to, during and immediately following launch. Super Users grow their own capacity through supplemental training, self-help resources and participation in a Community of Practice.

A series of Super User development sessions is offered in the weeks leading up to Connect Care Launch 7, beginning August 28, 2023. These 1-hour webinars are offered twice each (12:00 and 16:00) to help with scheduling. The sessions are also open to any interested Connect Care user who might like to pick up some new Connect Care skills.

For more information:

• Blogs: Super User Sessions

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 68: Get Ready for Patient Movement

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• (Optional) Register for the Patient Movement Readiness Series

The Patient Movement Readiness Series focuses on building a baseline knowledge of how to move a patient from one location to another using Connect Care as a tool. Make sure you sign up for these sessions, as patient movement is cited as one of the most confusing concepts to grasp at launch.

The week of September 11–15 includes Patient Movement Fundamentals readiness events. These sessions outline basic functions that support safe movement of patients through a facility; related workflows are explored. Each of these one-hour sessions are described in a Patient Movement Readiness Handbook, where registration links are provided. Note all sessions will be recorded and posted a few days after on Insite.

A self-guided learning video series with videos relevant to your work area is also available via a guide, linked below.

• Handbook: Patient Movement Readiness (includes registration links)
• Guide: Patient Movement Recording Viewing
• Manual: Readiness Events
• Contact: connectcare.patientmovement@ahs.ca

AHS Expands Use of Multi-factor Authentication for Information Access

We've previously posted about the introduction of a multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirement when accessing AHS email from outside AHS facilities and networks. 

AHS is expanding MFA requirements to increase protection from growing cyber security threats. MFA is a security measure that requires the user to verify their identity during login by using a mobile device app or phone call to a cellphone or landline.

Starting September 13, 2023, users logging in to AHS Insite or SharePoint on a personal device or an AHS device externally without a virtual private network (Netmotion or Forticlient app required) or Citrix Workspace connection will be prompted to authenticate using one of the MFA methods they have already set up. Users are advised to set up at least two MFA access routes, as explained in the following resources:

• Info: Multi-Factor Authentication
• Guide: Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication

Using Third-party AI at AHS

Artificial intelligence (AI) can refer to any attempt to simulate human thinking with software. This can include generative AI, large language models (such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT), speech-to-text dictation, and analyzing trends from data sets.

As Alberta Health Services (AHS) considers how to approach the use of third-party AI tools, our workforce is asked to follow these preliminary guidelines for the use of AI at AHS:

• Do not load any confidential AHS health, personal, or business information into unapproved AI programs or tools.
• Use caution when accessing AI websites with AHS devices.

For more information:

• InfoCare: Using Third-party AI at AHS

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 71: Report Wireless Gaps

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Report Wireless Coverage Gaps

As part of launch readiness efforts, the wireless networks in Launch 7 sites are upgraded to clinical-grade (high-density, high-performance) WiFi. Teams have walked the facilities to confirm that connectivity is universally present and up to the needs of providers and patients.

Coverage seems to be complete. Please help the wireless team by checking for AHSRESTRICT wireless networking signal and stability in all your clinical work areas. Please report any gaps or other challenges with WiFi at your site to IT Service desk (1-877-311-4300), providing details of the day, time and specific location of the problem.

• FAQ: Will WiFi be Connect Care Ready?

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 73: Confirm Remote Access

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Ensure that you have online REMOTE ACCESS

"Remote access" refers to any use of the clinical information system (CIS) outside of Alberta Health Services (AHS) networks ("intranet"). 

Will you need this? Some prescribers rarely work out-of-AHS. Some will only remote access through mobility (Haiku, Canto), which is good enough for results review, communicating, ordering, billing and simple documentation. 

Many prescribers need full Hyperspace externally. A security Token is required, as explained in the Connect Care Manual. For physicians, existing Netcare Tokens are automatically set up for Connect Care and require no new action; those needing remote Hyperspace who do not currently have a Token should apply now (note - the process is normally initiated by Zone Medical Affairs).

• User Guide: Remote User Network Access

For nurse practitioners (NPs), remote access needs to be requested via Provincial NP Services. NPs can submit their request by following the instructions at the following link:

• Guide: Remote User Network Access (RUNA) for Nurse Practitioners 

Physicians in Launch 7 are authorized for remote access by Zone Medical Affairs, who should be contacted for support (North Zone: NZ.Privileging@ahs.ca; South Zone: SZ.MedicalAffairs@ahs.ca). For NPs needing remote access support, contact Provincial NP Services (advancedpracticenursing@ahs.ca).

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 75: Choose Personal Device(s)

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Pick Personal Device(s) for Connect Care Use

Many of us will prefer doing some clinical information system (CIS) tasks on mobile or personal computing devices. These are set up to our liking, move with us, and work well in Connect Care facilities. 

This is a good time to check whether what we have is what we'll want. Indeed, it may be time to consider purchasing a new mobile device for clinical use. 

The following information can help decide what to procure or prepare:

• Tip: Considerations When Selecting a Mobile Device
• Manual: Mobile Device Selection
• Blog: Enterprise Support for Mobile Device Purchases
• FAQ: Connect Care Mobility
• FAQ: Are there limits to Connect Care Mobility supports for Orders?

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:

• General
• Connect Care Satisfaction Survey - Conversation on Findings
• Launch 7
• Connect Care Launch 7 Countdown Checklist
• T-minus 100: Countdown Checklist
• T-minus 96: Are you in?
• T-minus 94: Get Training
• T-minus 92: Consider Training Options
• T-minus 87: Check Alberta Referral Directory
• T-minus 85: Bookmark Prescriber Resources
• T-minus 82: Bookmark Manual and Updates
• T-minus 80: Complete InfoCare (On Our Best Behaviours) Training
• T-minus 78: Confirm AHS Network Access
• Support
• Inpatient Pathology/Cytology Post-Discharge Results
• Heart Failure Care Path Update - New Score Available
• Tips
• Tippy - Email Alerts to In Basket Status
• Tippy - Fast Prescriber and Team Updates from Patient Lists
• Tippy - Avoid Duplicate Orders
• Tippy - Ordering Repeating Tests
• Tippy - Optimize Your Screen Resolution
• Tippy - In Basket Notification for Inpatient Lab Results
• Tippy - Quick Patient Invites to MyAHS Connect
• Tippy - Adding or Updating Referring and Primary Care Providers in Clinic Schedule Lists
• Manual
• See What's New (updates and additions)

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 78: Confirm AHS Network Access

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Ensure that you have online ACCESS

This one's easy.

Make sure that you have a working Alberta Health Services (AHS) "Healthy" network username and password. These credentials are used to log in to AHS computers, email, Connect Care and many other systems. Your profile needs to be turned on for Connect Care access. Make sure that your username and password work at:

• myapps.ahs.ca

If you try logging in from outside an AHS facility, you will need to additionally have a security Token. More about that in a later task. Check out the Access section in the Connect Care Manual. Contact AHS IT Service Desk (1-877-311-4300) if your username and password do not work with myapps.ahs.ca.

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 80: Complete InfoCare (On Our Best Behaviours) Training

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Complete InfoCare Privacy Awareness Training

This one applies to everyone. Every prescriber must complete an online self-directed eLearning module entitled "InfoCare - On Our Best Behaviours" (OOBB). This solidifies understanding about responsible behaviours when working with personal health information. 

All prescribers must complete the module. Completion is demonstrated in a final section where commitment to privacy protection is affirmed with a series of statements. Access to Connect Care is not possible without OOBB affirmation. AHS physician privileges are also contingent. 

Log in to MyLearningLink.ahs.ca (MLL) with your AHS username and password. Search the available courses using "InfoCare". Anticipate spending about 20 minutes.

Get in touch with help.cmio@ahs.ca if you have difficulty getting credit for course completion. Macintosh users: save time by checking our MLL Manual section and tip sheet first. These resources also explain how to use an attestation tool if MLL does not credit course completion.

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 82: Bookmark Manual and Updates

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Bookmark the Connect Care Manual
• Subscribe to Connect Care Blogs

A Connect Care Manual is available for desktop, tablet and smartphone use. The Manual summarizes essential clinical information system (CIS) information for prescribers. We keep it brief, in the spirit of clinicians helping clinicians. Details are exposed through links to Connect Care guides, tip sheets and training materials. Bookmark "manual.connect-care.ca".

The Connect Care Blogs are also worth bookmarking. Instructions for subscribing appear on all blog pages. The blogs include a general interest channel (default, "blogs.connect-care.ca") with news and updates, as well as important support information during the launch period. Other channels include:

• Tips (tips.connect-care.ca)
• FAQ (questions.connect-care.ca)
• Support (support.connect-care.ca)

Bookmark "blogs.connect-care.ca" and consider subscribing to one or more channels (each channel must be subscribed to separately).

It can be really useful to access the Manual and blogs on a smartphone, for easy reference when working with Connect Care. 

• Tip: Adding Manual and Blog App Icons to Mobile Device screens

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 85: Bookmark Prescriber Resources

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Bookmark Connect Care Prescriber Resources 

While this blogging site (blogs.connect-care.ca), its various channels (see buttons above) and the Connect Care Manual (manual.connect-care.ca) remain the prime Connect Care information sources for prescribers, valuable local information is available through other CMIO and zone resources.

Worth bookmarking:

• Tip: How to Find Help Before, During, and After Launch - Launch 7 Prescribers
• List: Resources for Prescribers (resources.connect-care.ca)
• Resource: General Connect Care Information for Physicians (md.connect-care.ca)
• Resource: General Connect Care Information for Nurse Practitioners (np.connect-care.ca)
• Resource: Launch 7 Information for North Zone Physicians
• Resource: Launch 7 Information for South Zone Physicians

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 87: Check Alberta Referral Directory

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Physician Registries - Check ARD 

Alberta has multiple sources of physician information. Connect Care uses these to inform a single physician registry. This is a good time for Launch 7 physicians to ensure that provincial databases have current and correct information.

The Alberta Referral Directory (ARD) is one such database. It is a secure, online listing that provides access to consultant demographics, referral guidelines and referral forms.

All physicians are encouraged to update their ARD entry, or have clinic staff take care of this for all clinic providers. ARD is incorporated into Connect Care referral workflows.

• Byte: Alberta Referral Directory
• Guide: Alberta Referral Directory
• Website: Alberta Referral Directory
• Login: Alberta Referral Directory

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 92: Consider Training Options

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Consider Connect Care Launch 7 Training Options

Virtual as well as in-person classes are available. Contingency plans are in place in the event of facility-level outbreaks. If required, all in-person training can be converted to virtual training. 

Registration for Launch 7 Connect Care training remains open through MyLearningLink (mylearninglink.ahs.ca). Besides completing the training, please remember that completion of the privacy training, On Our Best Behaviours (OOBB), is also mandatory for access to Connect Care. Registration information for medical staff is provided by Zone Medical Affairs, and for nurse practitioners by Provincial NP Services.

• Physicians:
• North Zone: NZ.Privileging@ahs.ca
• South Zone: SZ.MedicalAffairs@ahs.ca
• Nurse Practitioners: advancedpracticenursing@ahs.ca

Countdown Checklist L7, T-minus 94: Get Training

Continuing a list of essential actions for Connect Care Launch 7 prescribers readying for launch November 5, 2023...

• Get Basic Training! 
• Reach out to colleagues who may not be registered

Prescribers will not be allowed access to the Connect Care clinical information system (CIS) unless they have completed basic training. There are no exceptions. Lack of access to the legal record of care means being unable to practice. Privileges are contingent on use of the implemented CIS. 

So, this is important. Colleagues will be inconvenienced if forced to cover for a prescriber who does not have CIS access.

First-time users of the CIS must complete an instructor-led basic training session. Launch 7 instructor-led basic training begins August 28, and registrations are filling fast.

If practicing at a Launch 7 site and still lacking information about how to register or complete basic training, contact:

• Physicians:
• North Zone: NZ.Privileging@ahs.ca
• South Zone: SZ.MedicalAffairs@ahs.ca
• Nurse Practitioners: advancedpracticenursing@ahs.ca