- Blogs
- All User Bulletin: Test Order Optimization
- Virtual Collaboration and Care - Zoom Concerns?
- COVID-19 and Connect Care #13 - In-system Dictation Supports
- Virtual Collaboration and Care - By the Numbers
- Medical Students Step up for Connect Care
- COVID-19 and Connect Care #14 - Training Progress
- Tips
- Support
- ER Visit Reports from non-Connect Care sites Available in Connect Care
- COVID IPC Alerts Live
- Haiku Logon Difficulties on Android Devices
- FAQ
- Demos
- Manual
Health informatics briefs for clinicians; from the Health Shared Services Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO@hssab.ca).
2020-04-08
On Other Channels...
Thank you for continuing to check (... ideally, subscribe to; see right sidebar instructions) the Connect Care Updates blog for prescribers. Some recent postings from other channels:
2020-04-07
COVID-19 and Connect Care #14 - Training Progress
We've previously posted about the move to virtual training methods to avoid tight gatherings in computer training labs.
Kudos to the Connect Care Training and eLearning teams for their fabulous work designing, developing then delivering online learning! Nimble, responsive and quick!
Many groups of physicians are recruited, re-deployed or otherwise placed in positions where they need to master new skills to work at sites where Connect Care is the record of care.
Basic and personalization training is provided in a mix of self-directed and instructor facilitated virtual learning. Many of these courses are already completed, moving physicians to competency in priority areas; including emergency, critical care, inpatient medicine/pediatrics/surgery. Supports are provided to learners 0700-2100 7 days week.
Kudos to the Connect Care Training and eLearning teams for their fabulous work designing, developing then delivering online learning! Nimble, responsive and quick!
Many groups of physicians are recruited, re-deployed or otherwise placed in positions where they need to master new skills to work at sites where Connect Care is the record of care.
Basic and personalization training is provided in a mix of self-directed and instructor facilitated virtual learning. Many of these courses are already completed, moving physicians to competency in priority areas; including emergency, critical care, inpatient medicine/pediatrics/surgery. Supports are provided to learners 0700-2100 7 days week.
2020-04-06
Medical Students Step-up for Connect Care
Alberta's 3rd and 4th year medical students -- off-ward during the COVID-19 pandemic -- make invaluable contributions to our pandemic response; including contact tracing, patient education and direct supports to front-line physicians.
In addition, University of Alberta medical students have rallied to help to Connect Care clinicians at Wave 1 sites in the Edmonton Zone. Many pandemic-response providers are newly trained, or re-trained for new roles, as part of staff redeployment. For these clinicians, COVID challenges can be complicated by unfamiliar Connect Care workflows.
Medical students are tooling up to serve as super-users. They will help clinicians who may struggle with new ways of ordering, documenting and communicating. Other clinical informatics roles expand our clinical system design and testing capacity, while fanning-out practical tips for busy physicians.
Student contributions reflect a lot of work! Super users complete advanced learning modules in multiple tracks (e.g., surgery, emergency, inpatient, critical are), while mastering virtual user-support technologies. Medical student leaders also organize scheduling so that supports are available at all times.
A big thank-you to our medical learners and education leaders! Their initiative helps clinicians stay on task.
In addition, University of Alberta medical students have rallied to help to Connect Care clinicians at Wave 1 sites in the Edmonton Zone. Many pandemic-response providers are newly trained, or re-trained for new roles, as part of staff redeployment. For these clinicians, COVID challenges can be complicated by unfamiliar Connect Care workflows.
Medical students are tooling up to serve as super-users. They will help clinicians who may struggle with new ways of ordering, documenting and communicating. Other clinical informatics roles expand our clinical system design and testing capacity, while fanning-out practical tips for busy physicians.
Student contributions reflect a lot of work! Super users complete advanced learning modules in multiple tracks (e.g., surgery, emergency, inpatient, critical are), while mastering virtual user-support technologies. Medical student leaders also organize scheduling so that supports are available at all times.
A big thank-you to our medical learners and education leaders! Their initiative helps clinicians stay on task.
2020-04-04
Virtual Collaboration and Care - By the Numbers
We've previously posted about supports for virtual collaboration and care, rapidly expanded to address COVID-19 needs.
Uptake has been impressive, suggesting that self-registration for basic AHS Zoom access has worked well. Scalable processes for allocating advanced accounts are firming up. And deep integration with the Connect Care clinical information system will be available soon.
As of early April, 2020:
Uptake has been impressive, suggesting that self-registration for basic AHS Zoom access has worked well. Scalable processes for allocating advanced accounts are firming up. And deep integration with the Connect Care clinical information system will be available soon.
As of early April, 2020:
- ~8700 registered basic users
- ~830 registered advanced users
- > 9,000 virtual meetings or visits
- >1,007,400 meeting/visit minutes
- > 38,000 meeting participants
- ~40 full webinars
In addition, associated webinar technologies have assured our Connect Care training programs continued maximal productivity as new groups of clinicians are prepared to work where Connect Care is the record of care.
Congratulations to AHS communications and virtual health teams for being so nimble and responsive to rapidly changing needs!
Congratulations to AHS communications and virtual health teams for being so nimble and responsive to rapidly changing needs!
2020-04-03
COVID-19 and Connect Care #13 - In-system Dictation Supports
The Connect Care clinical information system (CIS) integrates "Dragon Medical One" (DMO) within desktop and mobility (Haiku, Canto) environments. Support for high-fidelity clinical speech recognition has proved very popular.
With COVID-19 terms now routine in clinical documentation (e.g., COVID risk and screening status), some clinicians have stumbled, needing to personalize these terms for custom recognition.
The Connect Care instance of DMO is enhanced today with a "COVID-19 Content Pack". Users will notice that "COVID-19" and related terms are recognized without need for personalization. In addition, a number of new Autotexts are supported.
With COVID-19 terms now routine in clinical documentation (e.g., COVID risk and screening status), some clinicians have stumbled, needing to personalize these terms for custom recognition.
The Connect Care instance of DMO is enhanced today with a "COVID-19 Content Pack". Users will notice that "COVID-19" and related terms are recognized without need for personalization. In addition, a number of new Autotexts are supported.
2020-04-02
Virtual Collaboration and Care - Zoom Concerns?
We've previously posted about secure virtual collaboration and care supports provided to AHS clinicians, recently extended as part of our COVID-19 response.
Clinicians may worry about reports of possible security problems with videoconferencing services. Hijacking (e.g., "ZoomBombing") is reported with a variety of meeting technologies, more now that use is massively increased as part of social distancing and remote work.
AHS clinicians making use of AHS Zoom can be reassured. The enterprise version of Zoom licensed and deployed by AHS differs from the (free) public instance. AHS Zoom has passed a detailed internal security review and satisfies Canadian and international security standards, federal legislation and best practices for business and healthcare. AHS is an experienced enterprise health Zoom user.
Currently, AHS Zoom supports clinician-clinician and clinician-patient communication. Recording is not allowed, "meetings" are closed by default, and no information is stored or exchanged with other systems. AHS Zoom will be integrated with the Connect Care clinical information system; subject to further privacy reviews and protections.
It is important for clinician-users to appreciate and take advantage of provided protections:
Clinicians may worry about reports of possible security problems with videoconferencing services. Hijacking (e.g., "ZoomBombing") is reported with a variety of meeting technologies, more now that use is massively increased as part of social distancing and remote work.
AHS clinicians making use of AHS Zoom can be reassured. The enterprise version of Zoom licensed and deployed by AHS differs from the (free) public instance. AHS Zoom has passed a detailed internal security review and satisfies Canadian and international security standards, federal legislation and best practices for business and healthcare. AHS is an experienced enterprise health Zoom user.
Currently, AHS Zoom supports clinician-clinician and clinician-patient communication. Recording is not allowed, "meetings" are closed by default, and no information is stored or exchanged with other systems. AHS Zoom will be integrated with the Connect Care clinical information system; subject to further privacy reviews and protections.
It is important for clinician-users to appreciate and take advantage of provided protections:
- Do not use public (free) Zoom accounts for clinical purpose; instead use the AHS Zoom private service or another AHS-approved service (e.g., Skype for Business, Telehealth).
- Do not publish meeting links or IDs and do not use personal IDs for open meetings.
- Limit meeting identifier sharing to planned participant(s) who are informed via AHS secure email or an equivalently private means (e.g., direct communication with patient).
- Do not include identifiable patient information in meeting invitations, however communicated.
- Confirm attendees and identities when commencing a meeting.
- Limit screen-sharing and video-sharing to the presenter/host or person(s) explicitly approved by the presenter/host.
- When running larger meetings, take advantage of scheduling features like forced registration, required logon, meeting locks, or waiting rooms to confirm intended attendees.
- Adhere to secure communications legislation, organizational policies, communication norms, best practices and tips.
2020-04-01
All User Bulletin: Test Order Optimization
All-user-bulletins highlight stumbling blocks that all physicians need to be aware of when using the Connect Care clinical information system.
Rationalize Test Ordering Please!
Rationalize Test Ordering Please!
Alberta's laboratories are under intense pressure as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds. Human and physical resources (e.g. reagents) are prioritized for assays that most help most patients. As patient volumes and complexity increase, we will hit a test capacity "wall" that will mandate implementation of laboratory test restrictions. This has always been part of pandemic planning.
The likelihood of implementing essential test restrictions, and the timing, is affected by decisions that all physicians make right now.
For every laboratory test, and every patient, ask:
The likelihood of implementing essential test restrictions, and the timing, is affected by decisions that all physicians make right now.
For every laboratory test, and every patient, ask:
- Is this test, or this test frequency, essential to patient care at this time?
- Will anticipated test results significantly affect care choices at this time?
- Can sequential (ordering tests, rather than 'shotgunning') testing reduce the overall test burden?
- Can tests be deferred to a future date (e.g. tests done for surveillance or chronic disease management)?
2020-03-28
On other Channels...
Thank you for continuing to check (... ideally, subscribe to; see right sidebar instructions) the Connect Care Updates blog for prescribers. Some recent postings from other channels:
- Blogs
- Tips
- Support
- FAQ
- Demos
- Manual
2020-03-27
Connect Care Training goes Virtual
Although we always planned diverse pathways to Connect Care competency, a fabulous group of innovators have rapidly enabled virtual training for the many physicians now in need of new or expanded clinical information system (CIS) skills.
The Connect Care training teams, supported by AHS MyLearningLink and e-learning teams, have collaborated to design a number of self-directed as well as trainer-facilitated virtual learning modules. These address an urgent need to on-board physicians, trainees and other clinicians who have no prior Connect Care experience or who are required to learn a new CIS module (e.g., ER, ICU, Inpatient).
Excellent work has been done in an extraordinarily short time! We are most grateful to the MLL and e-Learning experts for pulling out all stops to make good work happen.
The Connect Care Manual is updated to reflect all training options, with linked tip sheets explaining how to use requisite technologies. Physicians needing Connect Care readiness or up-skilling are are identified by Medical Affairs and invited to virtual training.
The Connect Care training teams, supported by AHS MyLearningLink and e-learning teams, have collaborated to design a number of self-directed as well as trainer-facilitated virtual learning modules. These address an urgent need to on-board physicians, trainees and other clinicians who have no prior Connect Care experience or who are required to learn a new CIS module (e.g., ER, ICU, Inpatient).
Excellent work has been done in an extraordinarily short time! We are most grateful to the MLL and e-Learning experts for pulling out all stops to make good work happen.
The Connect Care Manual is updated to reflect all training options, with linked tip sheets explaining how to use requisite technologies. Physicians needing Connect Care readiness or up-skilling are are identified by Medical Affairs and invited to virtual training.
2020-03-26
Patient Movement Fundamentals Webinars
Patient movement is about how information flow supports healthcare flow.
A trauma patient can, for example, require task distribution among emergency, critical care, operating room, ward, interventional diagnostics and other care contexts. Each may have focus for a time, with unique orders, measures and workflows. Learning how to manage complex transitions proves one of our most persistent challenges.
A Patient Movement Team has studied tricky-transitions and organized a best practices webinar specifically for physicians, offered on three occasions:
A trauma patient can, for example, require task distribution among emergency, critical care, operating room, ward, interventional diagnostics and other care contexts. Each may have focus for a time, with unique orders, measures and workflows. Learning how to manage complex transitions proves one of our most persistent challenges.
A Patient Movement Team has studied tricky-transitions and organized a best practices webinar specifically for physicians, offered on three occasions:
- Tuesday March 31, 2020, 12:00-13:00
- Skype Conference ID: 6281284
- Skype Web Link
- Wednesday April 1, 2020, 12:00-13:00
- Skype Conference ID: 6281284
- Skype Web Link
- Thursday April 2, 2020, 12:00-13:00
- Skype Conference ID: 6281284
- Skype Web Link
Check out resources from the Patient Movement Team:
AMA Virtual Care Webinars
The Alberta Medical Association has mobilized a number of resources to help physicians quickly adapt to the provision of virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic (and beyond).
Two Virtual Care Quick Start Sessions have been organized for Friday, March 27, 2020 (both covering the same content) to address questions about technology choices, privacy protection, professional billing and best practices.
WEBINAR 1: 12:00 P.M. – 13:15 March 27, 2020
Two Virtual Care Quick Start Sessions have been organized for Friday, March 27, 2020 (both covering the same content) to address questions about technology choices, privacy protection, professional billing and best practices.
WEBINAR 1: 12:00 P.M. – 13:15 March 27, 2020
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://albertadoctors.zoom.us/j/321038517
- Zoom Meeting ID: 321 038 517
- Dial in (optional for higher audio quality) +1 647 558 0588 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 855 703 8985
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://albertadoctors.zoom.us/j/930810655
- Zoom Meeting ID: 930 810 655
- Dial in (optional for higher audio quality) +1 647 558 0588 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 855 703 8985
On other Channels...
Thank you for continuing to check (... ideally, subscribe to; see right sidebar instructions) the Connect Care Updates blog for prescribers. Some recent postings from other channels:
- Blogs
- Tips
- Support
- FAQ
- When is patient consent required for digital communications?
- What admission sets are available for COVID presentations?
- Demos
- Manual
2020-03-25
COVID-19 and Connect Care #12 - Admission Orders
In a time of need, it is amazing how quickly things can get done!
Last week, a group of dedicated clinical experts, informaticians and analysts came together to assemble current best evidence, derive Alberta-contextualized clinical guidance, and design the first order sets to help support care of patients with COVID-19 presentations.
The Clinical System Design team were able to leverage the work of Strategic Clinical Networks, Area Councils and the Provincial Virology Program to build consensus using Alberta Health Service's Clinical Guidance Repository. This facilitated rapid review, feedback and deliberation, with >65 clinicians participating in a fully transparent process. Facilitated collaboration proved efficient, while producing a guidance "transform" that informs order set development for all Alberta clinical information systems; as well as paper-based processes. IT teams are able to work with standardized designs to speed build of system-specific decision supports.
Use of the Clinical Guidance Repository improves tracking of ongoing review rounds and iterative production of future versions of COVID Order Sets and Panels. This helps us respond to rapid emergence of new evidence. And accountability is enhanced with one central location for storage and maintenance of system-agnostic, provincially-adjudicated, clinical content.
Last week, a group of dedicated clinical experts, informaticians and analysts came together to assemble current best evidence, derive Alberta-contextualized clinical guidance, and design the first order sets to help support care of patients with COVID-19 presentations.
The Clinical System Design team were able to leverage the work of Strategic Clinical Networks, Area Councils and the Provincial Virology Program to build consensus using Alberta Health Service's Clinical Guidance Repository. This facilitated rapid review, feedback and deliberation, with >65 clinicians participating in a fully transparent process. Facilitated collaboration proved efficient, while producing a guidance "transform" that informs order set development for all Alberta clinical information systems; as well as paper-based processes. IT teams are able to work with standardized designs to speed build of system-specific decision supports.
Use of the Clinical Guidance Repository improves tracking of ongoing review rounds and iterative production of future versions of COVID Order Sets and Panels. This helps us respond to rapid emergence of new evidence. And accountability is enhanced with one central location for storage and maintenance of system-agnostic, provincially-adjudicated, clinical content.
2020-03-24
COVID-19 and Connect Care #11 - Professional Billing
The Connect Care Professional Billing team continues work from changes to the Schedule of Medical Benefits that are contemporaneous with the COVID-19 pandemic. A crib-sheet for physicians is updated to reflect the latest Alberta Health directives and Connect Care service code navigator adjustments.
Physicians Working Remotely
The COVID-19 pandemic changes the way physicians work.
Some are required to self-isolate. All promote social distancing at clinics and facilities. Work needs to continue when remote from offices, clinics or facilities, with implications acknowledged by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and others.
We have produced a new guide offering practical advice about how physicians can work remotely while remaining mindful of organizational, legislative and professional obligations:
Some are required to self-isolate. All promote social distancing at clinics and facilities. Work needs to continue when remote from offices, clinics or facilities, with implications acknowledged by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and others.
We have produced a new guide offering practical advice about how physicians can work remotely while remaining mindful of organizational, legislative and professional obligations:
IT Grounds Us
The COVID-19 pandemic is "in our face"; totally.
Societal, professional, clinical, business and personal disruption could not be more visible. We see a world of new challenges and appreciate the many responses already in play.
It can be easy to miss what is less visible. Our informational infrastructure is below the surface, but essential to our capacity to respond to new challenges. All IT teams are working flat out, with constant overtime, to ensure that our information systems handle massively increased demands.
Thank you!!!! to help desk, health link, unified communications, patient & provider access and all the other information technology teams working so hard to keep the rest of us working!
Societal, professional, clinical, business and personal disruption could not be more visible. We see a world of new challenges and appreciate the many responses already in play.
It can be easy to miss what is less visible. Our informational infrastructure is below the surface, but essential to our capacity to respond to new challenges. All IT teams are working flat out, with constant overtime, to ensure that our information systems handle massively increased demands.
Thank you!!!! to help desk, health link, unified communications, patient & provider access and all the other information technology teams working so hard to keep the rest of us working!
2020-03-23
On other Channels...
Thank you for continuing to check (... ideally, subscribe to; see right sidebar instructions) the Connect Care Updates blog for prescribers. Some recent postings from other channels of general interest:
2020-03-22
Connect Care Optimization Clinics Paused
Optimization clinics are facilitated by peers and focused on challenging use cases. The clinic series has proved popular among clinical informaticians, super users, trainers and medical leaders; all of whom fan-out learnings in their respective areas.
Clinics were scheduled for January, February and March 2020 and, accordingly, are now concluded. A new series will begin at an equivalent time after the next Connect Care launch.
All optimization clinic topics are listed in this blog. Important byproducts include session recordings (in demos.connect-care.ca) and user supports, tips and FAQs added to the Physician Manual and Physician Updates.
Clinics were scheduled for January, February and March 2020 and, accordingly, are now concluded. A new series will begin at an equivalent time after the next Connect Care launch.
All optimization clinic topics are listed in this blog. Important byproducts include session recordings (in demos.connect-care.ca) and user supports, tips and FAQs added to the Physician Manual and Physician Updates.
2020-03-21
COVID-19 and Connect Care #10 - Clinical Content Updates
Clinical information system (CIS) clinical content includes documentation, decision and inquiry best practice supports. Clinical System Design (CSD) is about how we plan, design and build clinical content. We've always asserted that CSD is an ongoing, iterative, way for us to continually improve the CIS while ensuring that it meets our needs.
COVID-19 is our top, iterative, priority. Connect Care CSD resources have been redirected, with new clinical content designed for all AHS systems (including paper). This blog summarizes recent developments.
Appointment Reminders
COVID-19 is our top, iterative, priority. Connect Care CSD resources have been redirected, with new clinical content designed for all AHS systems (including paper). This blog summarizes recent developments.
Appointment Reminders
- Automated telephone and patient portal appointment reminder scripts have been enhanced to provide alerts about appointment diversion when ILI symptomatic. (Manual)
Travel & Exposure Screening
Orders
- A new "COVID-19 NAT" order is now added to relevant preference lists, in addition to always being in the "facility list" within order activities for all modules. (FAQ)
Order Panels
- Physician builders and the most affected clinician groups have developed Order Panels (meaningful clusters of orders that can be shared) that can help with common needs, such as risk stratification and systemic complication tracking. We will promote the best of these to system-wide panels.
Order Sets
- COVID admission order sets (one adult, one peds) are released into production (search in orders using "COVID") and available for use and for personalization.
- COVID ICU admission orders sets (one adult, one peds) also are released into production.
- All order sets have extensive links to guidance and supporting evidence.
- COVID order sets will be continually updated as evidence and provincial protocols change.
- Key steps in the order sets are well annotated to help clinicians know how to make choices for optimal patient care.
Documentation Tools
- SmartPhrases are being developed to assist with rapid documentation of daily progress of COVID-related signs and symptoms.
Professional Billing
- The re-cycled 03.01AD billing code (professional advice during a pandemic) has been added and is ready for billing.
2020-03-20
Connect Care Communication Norms - Update
Connect Care seeks to improve continuity of information, relationships and intent in service of a coherent healthcare experience for patients and providers. Relational continuity is supported by good communication, as previously posted.
Communication Norms are about what Connect Care users expect of one another for effective, efficient, safe and respectful information sharing within and between groups. Although the Norms are now approved by the Connect Care Council, feedback and suggestions are always welcome.
Current public health challenges make our communication best practices doubly important... and difficult. A new section about video conferencing appears in the Norms and a practical guide for physicians has been drafted:
Communication Norms are about what Connect Care users expect of one another for effective, efficient, safe and respectful information sharing within and between groups. Although the Norms are now approved by the Connect Care Council, feedback and suggestions are always welcome.
Current public health challenges make our communication best practices doubly important... and difficult. A new section about video conferencing appears in the Norms and a practical guide for physicians has been drafted:
2020-03-19
COVID-19 and Connect Care #9 - Virtual Care Supports
As previously posted, AHS Virtual Health will continue to support physicians and patients who use existing telehealth, Skype or RealPresence tools for Virtual Care. In addition, AHS has extended its Zoom enterprise agreement to support clinicians interacting with one another or with patients.
Collaboration: Video conferencing can help clinicians working remotely from one another or their patients. Videoconferencing for collaboration should continue to use AHS Skype for Business when it is easily usable by all participants. However, physicians work in diverse contexts, often using personal devices, wherein the AHS instance of Skype may struggle. AHS Zoom provides an easy alternative for clinicians willing to (mostly) self-help. The CMIO portfolio, working with Medical Affairs, is organizing help for more complex needs.
Virtual Care: When videoconferencing is needed for virtual care, and telephone or Skype for Business or telehealth suites do not suffice, AHS Zoom can serve as a secure, health-appropriate, alternative. AHS Virtual Health is working to support these uses, initially focusing on the most pressing clinical use-cases.
Please see a new section of the Connect Care Physician Manual about Virtual Care. Links to tips can help physicians get started with AHS Zoom (ahs-cis.ca/zoom). Updated Connect Care Communication Norms offer advice about appropriate use of these tools. This is work in progress so check back from time to time.
We ask for some patience. The extended AHS Zoom service is new. The Manual entries and tip links will evolve as we discover tricks for trouble-free collaboration through Zoom video conferencing:
Collaboration: Video conferencing can help clinicians working remotely from one another or their patients. Videoconferencing for collaboration should continue to use AHS Skype for Business when it is easily usable by all participants. However, physicians work in diverse contexts, often using personal devices, wherein the AHS instance of Skype may struggle. AHS Zoom provides an easy alternative for clinicians willing to (mostly) self-help. The CMIO portfolio, working with Medical Affairs, is organizing help for more complex needs.
Virtual Care: When videoconferencing is needed for virtual care, and telephone or Skype for Business or telehealth suites do not suffice, AHS Zoom can serve as a secure, health-appropriate, alternative. AHS Virtual Health is working to support these uses, initially focusing on the most pressing clinical use-cases.
Please see a new section of the Connect Care Physician Manual about Virtual Care. Links to tips can help physicians get started with AHS Zoom (ahs-cis.ca/zoom). Updated Connect Care Communication Norms offer advice about appropriate use of these tools. This is work in progress so check back from time to time.
We ask for some patience. The extended AHS Zoom service is new. The Manual entries and tip links will evolve as we discover tricks for trouble-free collaboration through Zoom video conferencing:
2020-03-18
Practical Paranoia - Even in a Pandemic?
It is heartening to witness how a shared challenge brings out the best in us. It is disheartening to note how the same crisis brings out the worst in some.
While we struggle with COVID-19, it is deeply disappointing to witness an increased frequency of phishing and other cyber-attacks. These try to take advantage of forced work from less secure home networks.
In particular, phishing attacks are on the rise. These appear to come from a trusted source while inviting opening of a document or link. The unwary recipient can expose sensitive information or, worse, fall prey to information extortion.
Please re-skim our many warnings about 'phishing', brush up on phishing-prevention, and be paranoid about any click-bait.
While we struggle with COVID-19, it is deeply disappointing to witness an increased frequency of phishing and other cyber-attacks. These try to take advantage of forced work from less secure home networks.
In particular, phishing attacks are on the rise. These appear to come from a trusted source while inviting opening of a document or link. The unwary recipient can expose sensitive information or, worse, fall prey to information extortion.
Please re-skim our many warnings about 'phishing', brush up on phishing-prevention, and be paranoid about any click-bait.
2020-03-17
New Supports for Virtual Meetings and Care
While Alberta Health Services is known for excellence in telehealth service, we face extraordinary challenges in the face of a COVID-19 pandemic:
- Many physicians are self-isolated and seek the means to continue to participate in outpatient care.
- Patient visits to outpatient facilities (and emergency rooms), risking COVID exposure of patients and providers, can be minimized if some needs can be addressed through telephone or video visits.
- Unfortunately, the use of telehealth suites does not address social distancing needs.
The CMIO portfolio has worked with AHS Communications and Telehealth to test easy-to-use, healthcare appropriate, virtual meeting and patient care tools that can also be fully integrated with the Connect Care clinical information system. Zoom has been selected and enterprise licensing arranged.
Zoom will be made available for use by physicians who need to organize consultations, meetings with colleagues or direct interactions with patients. The necessary arrangements are being made, with plans for AHS Virtual Health Services to manage access for clinical purpose and CMIO/Medical Affairs to facilitate account provision for meetings.
More information will be posted in the coming days. Anyone can set up a free personal account with Zoom.us, possibly allowing time to learn the technology before getting access to the enterprise license.
Watch this blog for more information!
On other Channels...
Thank you for continuing to check (... ideally, subscribe to; see right sidebar instructions) the Connect Care Updates blog for prescribers. Some recent postings from other channels of general interest:
- Blogs
- Blog Series: COVID-19 and Connect Care
- Blog Reposting: Managing Stress and Anxiety Related to COVID-19
- Optimization Clinic: Simplifying Orders
- Support
- FAQ
- How to Bill for COVID-19 Virtual Encounters
- How is COVID-19 Testing Ordered?
- Can patients get COVID results in MyChart?
- Where are COVID results displayed in Connect Care?
- Demos
- Manual
Adjustments to Waves 2-3 Readiness Activities
A number of adjustments to Waves 2-3 readiness activities are in the works, all the consequence of our decision to focus efforts on COVID needs. Details of the following will be communicated to those affected:
- Connect Care Oversight
- Many user groups, advisory groups, committees and area councils will temporarily suspend or reduce meetings. Some oversight groups most involved in new clinical system design activities may temporarily ramp up in order to respond to rapidly evolving needs. This includes the Coordinating Support Unit and task groups dealing with COVID-related decision, documentation and inquiry (reporting) supports.
- Technical Dress Rehersal
- As this is light on clinician demands, it will proceed as planned so that infrastructure readiness meets milestones that remain important.
- 60 and 30 day Launch Readiness Assessments
- These will be rescheduled
- Non-medical device roadshows
- Also postponed until further notice; although some activities will move to online and other means to continue exposure and awareness.
- Command structures
- These resources shift to COVID planning and support.
2020-03-16
COVID-19 and Connect Care #8 - Training
The Connect Care initiative remains focused on supporting physicians, staff and patients across Alberta as the province responds to COVID-19. Over the weekend, AHS leadership announced the formal delay of the launch of Waves 2 and 3 of Connect Care. As a result, all in-class prescriber training sessions for Wave 2-3 are postponed.
The CMIO portfolio is re-focusing on emerging prescriber needs, with top priority given to supporting the provision of best care as efficiently as possible.
COVID-19 affects physician and other prescriber deployments. There is immediate need for just-in-time training for physicians, nurse practitioners, residents and clinical associates/assistants stepping in to cover for shortages or extra needs where Connect Care is the record of care.
CMIO training materials (Basic, Personalization, Optimization) are being moved to online and distance learning supports, allowing us to avoid physician gatherings in small rooms. A team of trainers and physicians has formed to rapidly produce more self-serve demos and mini-tutorials. Early priorities include Emergency, Critical Care, Surgery and Inpatient Medicine/Pediatrics.
If you anticipate service at a Connect Care site as part of the COVID-19 response, your training needs will be flagged through Medical Affairs. You will receive training instructions via email. If you have questions about whether you will be needed at a Connect Care site, please contact your medical leader or medical affairs:
Physician training-specific questions can be directed to mip@ahs.ca or cmio@ahs.ca.
If you are a Nurse Practitioner that is being seconded or temporarily re-assigned to support a Wave 1 site as part of the COVID-19 response, your role assignment and training needs will need to be identified through AHS HPSP. Contact advancedpracticenursing@ahs.ca with any questions.
The CMIO portfolio is re-focusing on emerging prescriber needs, with top priority given to supporting the provision of best care as efficiently as possible.
COVID-19 affects physician and other prescriber deployments. There is immediate need for just-in-time training for physicians, nurse practitioners, residents and clinical associates/assistants stepping in to cover for shortages or extra needs where Connect Care is the record of care.
CMIO training materials (Basic, Personalization, Optimization) are being moved to online and distance learning supports, allowing us to avoid physician gatherings in small rooms. A team of trainers and physicians has formed to rapidly produce more self-serve demos and mini-tutorials. Early priorities include Emergency, Critical Care, Surgery and Inpatient Medicine/Pediatrics.
If you anticipate service at a Connect Care site as part of the COVID-19 response, your training needs will be flagged through Medical Affairs. You will receive training instructions via email. If you have questions about whether you will be needed at a Connect Care site, please contact your medical leader or medical affairs:
Physician training-specific questions can be directed to mip@ahs.ca or cmio@ahs.ca.
If you are a Nurse Practitioner that is being seconded or temporarily re-assigned to support a Wave 1 site as part of the COVID-19 response, your role assignment and training needs will need to be identified through AHS HPSP. Contact advancedpracticenursing@ahs.ca with any questions.
Connect Care Optimization Clinic #12 - Simplifying Ordering
Optimization clinics are facilitated by peers and focused on challenging use cases. A short presentation is followed by questions, discussion and suggestions from participants. User supports are updated in the Physician Manual and Physician Updates.
A tenth Connect Care Optimization Clinic is offered in a single session at noon on March 18, 2020. All are welcome.
Topic: Did you Want Fries with That? Simplifying Ordering
A tenth Connect Care Optimization Clinic is offered in a single session at noon on March 18, 2020. All are welcome.
Topic: Did you Want Fries with That? Simplifying Ordering
- Facilitator: Dr. Darren Hudson
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2020
- Time: 1200-1300
- Meeting Link: clinic-b.connect-care.ca
- Calendar (iCal) file: ahs-cis.ca/clinic-b-ical
- Meeting ID: 930 576 272
- Audio: can use computer audio or telephone
- Canada +1 647 558 0588 (then meeting ID)
- One click: +16475580588,,930576272
- Description:
- How to think about orders, order sets and phases of care.
- How to create order panels.
- How to personalize and share order sets.
- Preparation:
- If you’ve never used Zoom, the Webinar software used for the clinics, we recommend you do a test call prior to the session here: https://zoom.us/test.
- Short demo videos on how to participate in a call can be found here: https://zoom.us/resources
2020-03-15
COVID-19 and Connect Care #7 - CMIO Priorities
Connect Care Physician Update followers may have noticed that we've disabled the Wave 2-3 countdown timer (top left column) and the associated countdown checklist. Yesterday we announced the formal delay of Wave 2-3 launch.
None of this should be taken as indication of Connect Care pause. Rather, the intensity of our work is increased as we respond to a myriad of COVID-19 response needs.
A partial list of current actions and priorities:
None of this should be taken as indication of Connect Care pause. Rather, the intensity of our work is increased as we respond to a myriad of COVID-19 response needs.
A partial list of current actions and priorities:
- Physician Training
- Basic training for Wave 2-3 physicians is paused and all affected participants have been notified.
- All physician training materials (Basic, Personalization, Stabilization, Optimization) are being moved to online and distance learning supports, allowing us to avoid physician gatherings in small rooms.
- COVID-19 affects physician deployment, necessitating just-in-time training for many physicians who are stepping in to cover for shortages or extra need in areas where Connect Care is the record of care.
- All trainee training is moved to virtual means.
- A team of trainers and physicians has formed to rapidly produce more online demos and mini-tutorials.
- Early priorities include Emergency, Critical Care, Surgery and Inpatient Medicine/Pediatrics.
- Virtual Care
- There is pressing need for more capacity for specialist and primary care physicians to manage as many ambulatory encounters as possible using virtual care, sparing clinics for urgent needs and minimizing COVID exposures in clinic.
- Connect Care virtual visit types are being enhanced and new support materials produced (keep an eye on the physician manual).
- We are fast-tracking a provincial license for technology to allow physicians to provide secure virtual visit supports to patients at a distance (more news later this week).
- The same technology will support more virtual physician meetings and consultations so that we can tap into the capacity of providers on isolation.
- We are working to promote flexible use of telephone and virtual visit billing codes for physicians.
- Screening and Surveillance
- Standardized travel and exposure screening tools have been optimized and deployed across all contexts and all clinicians. Best Practice Advisories have been tuned to the latest public health recommendations. Isolation flags are likewise tweaked.
- New reports facilitate instant tracking of screening results and patterns.
- Support for release of COVID test results to the patient portal
- Decision Supports
- The Clinical System Design team has struck a new task force to fast-track development of ordersets, alerts, reminders and embedded care guides so that all prescribers have instant access to outcomes of a provincial virology clinical guidance group.
- Documentation Supports
- Work has begun to render text automation (SmartPhrase, SmartText) and other aids to faster documentation for clinicians managing COVID-related illness.
- Community Physician Supports
- We are advocating for faster access of non-Connect Care physicians to the Connect Care Provider Portal.
2020-03-14
COVID-19 and Connect Care #6 - Waves 2-3 Delay
An important message from Verna Yiu, Francois Belanger and Sean Chilton:
AHS leadership has carefully weighed the impact of COVID-19 on our health system and has made the decision to temporarily delay our upcoming launch of Waves 2 and 3 of Connect Care. Given the significantly increasing demands on our frontlines physicians, staff and services, and the increased health risks our patients and healthcare teams are facing due to COVID-19, we do not feel it would be prudent to launch these next waves of Connect Care as originally scheduled.
Connect Care is not being cancelled. The initiative remains one of our highest organizational priorities. A delay of the launch of Waves 2 and 3 allows us to be strategic with our resources and respectful of the demands on our staff and physicians.
We are currently assessing the situation and will adjust our wave rollout plan and sequencing, based on the impact of COVID-19. As this change in timing will affect all future waves, we want to make the sequencing decisions with as clear of a picture as possible. Firm dates for subsequent launches will be communicated once we know more.
We are thankful for all the work done to date in preparation for our next launches by our Connect Care leadership, program team, physicians and staff in Waves 2 and 3. Connect Care preparations will continue as ongoing support for the stabilization and support of Wave1 remains important. Our immediate priority is to support Alberta’s COVID-19 response.
Thank you for your understanding as we work together to respond to these most immediate needs of Albertans.
AHS leadership has carefully weighed the impact of COVID-19 on our health system and has made the decision to temporarily delay our upcoming launch of Waves 2 and 3 of Connect Care. Given the significantly increasing demands on our frontlines physicians, staff and services, and the increased health risks our patients and healthcare teams are facing due to COVID-19, we do not feel it would be prudent to launch these next waves of Connect Care as originally scheduled.
Connect Care is not being cancelled. The initiative remains one of our highest organizational priorities. A delay of the launch of Waves 2 and 3 allows us to be strategic with our resources and respectful of the demands on our staff and physicians.
We are currently assessing the situation and will adjust our wave rollout plan and sequencing, based on the impact of COVID-19. As this change in timing will affect all future waves, we want to make the sequencing decisions with as clear of a picture as possible. Firm dates for subsequent launches will be communicated once we know more.
We are thankful for all the work done to date in preparation for our next launches by our Connect Care leadership, program team, physicians and staff in Waves 2 and 3. Connect Care preparations will continue as ongoing support for the stabilization and support of Wave1 remains important. Our immediate priority is to support Alberta’s COVID-19 response.
Thank you for your understanding as we work together to respond to these most immediate needs of Albertans.
2020-03-13
COVID-19 and Connect Care #5 - Hot Topics
Connect Care is re-focusing on emerging physician needs that relate to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Existing and new workgroups are building and optimizing clinical content that can help with the care of patients with COVID-related problems. This includes travel and screening tools, ordering tools, ordersets for different presentations, documentation tools and reports.
A new section of the Connect Care Physician Manual highlights clinical system design innovations that can help physicians respond to COVID patient care needs.
Existing and new workgroups are building and optimizing clinical content that can help with the care of patients with COVID-related problems. This includes travel and screening tools, ordering tools, ordersets for different presentations, documentation tools and reports.
A new section of the Connect Care Physician Manual highlights clinical system design innovations that can help physicians respond to COVID patient care needs.
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