Connect Care Bytes Blog: Training

Showing posts with label Training. Show all posts

2026-10-02

Reminder: iECG Upgrade and Downtime for Edmonton Zone Cardiologists - October 6, 2026

The Intellispace ECG (iECG) application is a third-party system used by Connect Care cardiologists in the Edmonton Zone for ECG review, interpretation workflow, and ECG reconciliation. On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the iECG application will be upgraded, with enhancements to both the interface and functionality.

To ensure a smooth transition, refresher education is recommended for all current iECG users prior to the upgrade. An Independent Learning Module for prescribers is now available on MyLearningLink - search for "CMIO Cardiology PHILIPS Intellispace ECG (iECG) Prescribers - Edmonton Zone". The estimated completion time for this module is 15 minutes.

Please note that there will be a downtime for the iECG application during the upgrade process, on October 6 from 05:00 to 09:30. During this downtime:

Connect Care will be available, but any ECG orders entered in Connect Care will not transfer to iECG.
Netcare can be used to view historical ECGs.
Follow the Cardiology Downtime Resources as needed.

During the upgrade/downtime, prescribers can submit support tickets or contact the IT Service Desk and Solution Centre for assistance, including after-hours support: 1-877-311-4300 (press 1 for Connect Care).

2026-02-11

In Basket Help is Here – Book a Class or 1:1 Session Now

Want to shave time off from your Connect Care In Basket/messaging workflows? Want to clean up your In Basket? The CMIO Prescriber Experience team has some great online classes and one-on-one sessions where we share small changes that will streamline your documentation and reduce unnecessary clicks.

If you have 15, 30, or 60 minutes, we can find a time to meet your needs:

15-min 1:1 session: Virtually meet with a trainer to learn how using the “Quick Action” feature can help you – click here and select “In Basket Quick Actions 1:1” to see available times and register.
30-min 1:1 session: Virtually meet with a trainer to help work through your current In Basket backlog – click here and select “In Basket Clean Up 1:1” to see available times and register.
1-hr class: Join an online class to learn multiple tips and tricks to help work through your messages efficiently – click here and select “In Basket” to see available times and register.
Can’t see a date/time that fits your schedule? Email help.cmio@healthsharedservices.ca with some options what would work for you.

Prefer to learn on your own? Check out our new/updated resources:

CMIO Guide: In Basket Management for Prescribers (20 pages): Comprehensive guide on all things In Basket, can click to section of interest from table of contents.
Tip: Use In Basket Quick Actions from Chart (2 pages): Did you know you can set up a Quick Action in your Ambulatory or Inpatient chart that allows you to message a clinical pool/colleague or send yourself a reminder directly from the chart? See the tip sheet for details!

Let us know at help.cmio@healthsharedservices.ca if you have questions – we're happy to help. Interested in other classes we offer? Monthly schedules are posted on the Connect Care Support Blog, with more information here.

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.

Tip: Launching Xero Viewer

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.

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.

2025-05-02

Phased Replacement of IMPAX Viewer - South Zone Next

As previously posted, Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PEI) is replacing the IMPAX system as the new Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS). The next phase of implementation will be in South Zone, on Tuesday, May 27, 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.

Tip: Launching Xero Viewer

Training is required to access PEI; training is available through MyLearningLink. Physicians and staff who require PEI access should have received an email to their AHS inbox from Identity Access Management (IAM) in March with training details.
If your role requires emergent access to images and you have not received a training invitation, 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.
Training for OrthoView is available upon request. If you require OrthoView training, please contact ImagingAppsSupport@ahs.ca.

Calgary Zone will implement PEI in September (a reminder will be posted here close to implementation date); for more information, see the posters.

2025-03-25

Phased Replacement of IMPAX Viewer - Edmonton Zone Next (New Date)

PEI Implementation

After PEI implementation, many medical staff will view diagnostic images and reports via the XERO Viewer in Connect Care.

Tip: Launching Xero Viewer

Training is required to access PEI; training is available through MyLearningLink. Physicians and staff who require PEI access should have received an email to their AHS inbox from Identity Access Management (IAM) in January with training details.
If your role requires emergent access to images and you have not received a training invitation, 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.
Training for OrthoView is available upon request. If you require OrthoView training, please contact ImagingAppsSupport@ahs.ca.

The remaining zones will implement PEI in May and September; for more information, see the posters. Reminders for the remaining zones will be posted here closer to their respective implementation dates.

2025-01-24

Phased Replacement of IMPAX Viewer - Central Zone Next (New Date)

As previously posted, Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PEI) is replacing the IMPAX system as the new Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS). The next phase of implementation will be in Central Zone; following an initial delay due to technical issues, implementation has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025. AHS and the vendor determined the root cause of the issues and are confident they are resolved, and the updated system will significantly enhance user experience. With PEI implementation, OrthoView will also replace MediCAD as the orthopedic templating software.

PEI Implementation

After PEI implementation, medical staff will view diagnostic images and reports via the XERO Viewer in Connect Care.

Tip: Launching Xero Viewer

Before zone implementation, staff who need PEI access will be invited to complete the required training through MyLearningLink.
Training is required to access the system. If you need access to PEI and have not received your training invitation for the Central Zone implementation, please contact ProvincialEnterpriseImaging@ahs.ca.

OrthoView Implementation

OrthoView is an advanced orthopedic planning tool integrated within PEI.
Training for OrthoView is available upon request. If you require OrthoView training, please contact DIBusinessSupport@ahs.ca.

The remaining zones will implement PEI between March and May 2025; for more information, see the posters. Reminders for the remaining zones will be posted here closer to their respective implementation dates.

2024-11-04

Phased Replacement of IMPAX Viewer - Starts November in North Zone

Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PEI) is replacing the IMPAX system as the new Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS). Implementation of PEI will be phased, starting with North Zone on November 12, 2024. The remaining zones will implement PEI between January and May 2025 (see this poster for a timeline). Note that, for North Zone's implementation, OrthoView will also be replacing MediCAD as the orthopedic templating software.

PEI Implementation

PEI is replacing the IMPAX system. PEI integrates into Connect Care and will help streamline workflows by providing convenient access to imaging data and reports.
After PEI implementation, many medical staff will view diagnostic images and reports via the XERO Viewer in Connect Care.

Tip: Launching Xero Viewer (note this workflow is the same as currently used to launch IMPAX)

Training for PEI is through MyLearningLink. Medical staff who require PEI access will be given training information before implementation in their zone.
In scope roles for access include radiologists, emergency prescribers, and orthopedic surgeons. For other prescribers who believe they may need access to PEI, please contact ProvincialEnterpriseImaging@ahs.ca.

OrthoView Implementation (North Zone)

OrthoView will replace MediCAD. OrthoView is an advanced orthopedic planning tool integrated within PEI.
Training for OrthoView is available on request. For any prescribers who require training, please contact DIBusinessSupport@ahs.ca.

For more information, see the posters. Reminders for the remaining zones will be posted here closer to their respective implementation dates.

2024-06-19

CMIO Optimization Support for Connect Care Users

With 11,275 professionals having completed Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) training for Connect Care, the CMIO has developed a four-fold optimization training strategy to foster continuous learning for those in previous launches (Waves/Launches 1-8).

All Connect Care users who fall under the scope of CMIO Training can access a variety of optimization support. The CMIO offers classes on a variety of topics that can be booked here.

In Self-Directed learning and SmartUser training, users can drive their own learning through the available resources and modules, while in Reinforcement (personalization) and Direct Support, MILs and Medical Leaders help champion this learning for their users.

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

2024-05-24

Optimization Training - Classes in May and June

[Note: Future Optimization class schedules will be posted on the Support channel.]

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. Classes are 60 minutes in length each and focus on completing common workflows more efficiently.

Below are the Optimization classes scheduled for May and June 2024. Edit (May 24): As some sessions have now passed and additional dates have been added, the information below has been updated.

In Basket Management

New: May 29, at 09:00
May 30, at 08:00
New: June 4, at 12:30
June 6, at 12:30
June 7, at 09:00
June 12, at 16:00
New: June 14, at 08:00

Orders Optimization

May 28, at 11:00
May 31, at 14:00
June 3, at 09:00
June 6, at 15:00
June 11, at 12:30
June 12, at 14:00

Notes and Documentation SmartTools

May 27, at 12:00
June 11, at 12:00
June 21, at 12:00
June 25, at 12:00

Therapy Plans

June 11, at 12:30
September 17, at 12:00

Prescribers can register for these Optimization classes at the below link. Classes will be added regularly, so please continue to check back. Spots are limited 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.

2024-05-09

Just-in-Time Learning!

Our new Connect Care Launch 8 prescribers are on the steeper part of their learning curve. Help is available!

A powerful way to reinforce basic training, while busy with clinical work, is to consider one or two high-impact tips per day. To that end, we regularly post "Tippies" on the Connect Care Tips channel (tips.connect-care.ca), which contain some simple but impactful suggestions as well as some more advanced tips.

The easiest way to follow these postings is to subscribe to the Tips blog channel. Also consider subscribing to both the FAQ (questions.connect-care.ca) and the Support (support.connect-care.ca) channels. We answer common questions on the former and provide important news about fixes and enhancements on the latter. Launch-specific issues are also flagged during the launch support period on the Support channel in "Hot Topics" posts.

2024-04-08

Optimization Training - Classes for Anesthesia Prescribers Now 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. As of April 15, 2024, we are launching a series of classes for Anesthesia prescribers.

The Anesthesia Optimization classes are 60 minutes in length each and will focus on completing common workflows more efficiently. There are two classes; note that the order of completion does not matter.

Anesthesia Optimization 1 covers:

Managing active orders, fluid balances, and correcting medication orders.
Documenting delays or postponement of cases.
Use of intraprocedure tools to sign a record without completing hard stop requirements.

Anesthesia Optimization 2 covers:

Deleting records created in error.
Correcting incorrect device data on the wrong patient.
Using chart correction tools that have replaced the anesthesia record wizard.

The current dates available for Anesthesia Optimization classes are: April 15, April 29, April 30, May 14, and May 23.

Prescribers can register for these Anesthesia Optimization classes at the below link. Classes will be added regularly, so please continue to check back. Spots are limited 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

2023-10-26

Problem Power - Tips and Training about Problem Lists

Connect Care Problem List management can seem daunting at first. With a little familiarity, however, problem skills can improve the Connect Care user experience, while reducing information burdens and increasing patient safety.

Consistent problem list management is a Connect Care minimum use norm. It is also a prerequisite for problem-oriented charting, which further promotes efficient and effective clinical documentation.

In tandem with Launch 7, the "Problem Power" tips series (problemlists.connect-care.ca) will re-post daily. Short tips illustrate little things that can make problem list management easier and more impactful.

A full list of all Problem Power tips, in order, is maintained in the Clinician Manual:

Manual: Problem List Training

2023-10-24

Ambulatory Tips, Tricks, and Traps - Launch 7 Prescriber Support Session

The ambulatory component of basic Connect Care training for prescribers who also provide acute care is necessarily streamlined. However, some prescribers with a significant ambulatory workload may feel like they have not had sufficient exposure to the ambulatory tools and workflows in Connect Care via basic training to be comfortable navigating the Connect Care clinical information system during a busy clinic come launch. To help these users, the CMIO will be hosting an additional ambulatory support session.

This 1-hour Zoom session is an opportunity to see ambulatory workflows in action, to hear advice from providers who have been using Connect Care in busy outpatient practices, and to ask questions – all in anticipation of your first day in clinic on Connect Care. To join, click the Zoom link below; if you are unable to attend, a recording will be posted here.

Thursday November 2, 2023, 12:00-13:00

Zoom link: https://albertahealthservices.zoom.us/j/68612367021?pwd=VjlLQWRoakNRbGhPVUZERy9EUDltQT09

Note that there are also still a few upcoming support sessions for Launch 7 prescribers regarding therapy plans (October 27 and 31). These sessions demonstrate the process of ordering therapy plans, and will prepare you for entering orders post-launch and when asked to review converted legacy orders prior to launch. For more information on the therapy plan support sessions, see this post.

2023-07-06

Ordering Therapy Plans - Launch 7 Prescriber-Led Support Sessions

Prescribers who order recurrent, ongoing therapies (IVIG, blood, antimicrobials, procedures, etc.) known as Therapy Plans (pre-defined collection of related/standing orders that apply to multiple/recurrent encounters over time) are invited to attend a prescriber-led demonstration of the workflow. The sessions demonstrate the process of ordering Therapy Plans, and will prepare you for entering orders post-launch and when asked to review converted legacy orders prior to launch.

The following sessions are scheduled prior to Launch 7. Although important for Launch 7 prescribers who have current patients with scheduled therapies, it is recommended for any prescriber who anticipates using these ordering tools. All Connect Care prescribers and clinicians who order or action Therapy Plans are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Clicking on the hyperlinked date for a session will open a calendar invite for that session, which you can then respond to and receive the meeting information.

For more information, please see the below resources:

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