As part of the Connect Care initiative to improve patient identity accuracy and safety, an optimized workflow is being implemented to support real-time demographic updates and chart merges for unidentified (UNK, unknown) patients during active admissions (referred to as the "Optimized Anonymous Patient Workflow"). This process enables Health Information Management (HIM) to correct demographics and merge duplicate charts while care is ongoing, reducing risk and preserving chart integrity.
Following a successful pilot at select trauma sites, this workflow will be implemented across the remaining provincial sites on June 16, 2026. Note that, following implementation, HIM teams will complete demographic updates and merges Monday to Friday, 08:00–15:30, excluding statutory holidays.
What This Means for Prescribers
- In Basket message post-merge:
After a demographic update or chart merge, the Most Responsible Provider (MRP) will receive an In Basket notification prompting a review of the patient chart. This review is essential to ensure: - No clinical information is misplaced or misfiled
- Orders, results, and documentation remain accurate
- Any workflow impacts are identified and resolved quickly
- Chart advisories:
Connect Care advisories will indicate when a demographic update or merge has occurred, helping keep clinicians informed during the patient encounter. - Note: A separate enhancement has also been made to the workflow for completing a Medical Certificate of Death for patients who were unidentified at the time of admission. See the separate blog post for details.
Reporting Concerns
- Technical issues:
Contact the Provincial Solution Centre at 1-877-311-4300 and reference “Patient Merge and Demographics Update Problems.” - Patient safety concerns:
Submit through the Reporting & Learning System (RLS). Include the ServiceNow ticket number (if applicable) and select "Yes" for “Did digital health technology contribute to this event?”
Additional Resources