2021-04-07

Connect Care Wave 3 Launches April 10, 2021

Connect Care's third wave launches in just a few days, primarily in North Zone areas. Systematic preparations are already a great accomplishment. Capable teams will continue to work hard to support all stakeholders this coming weekend.
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2021-04-05

All User Bulletin - Dose Range Medication Orders

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

Dosing Ranges and Connect Care

When prescribers order a single scheduled medication with ranged dosing, system restrictions (such orders cannot work with decision supports) cause delays as extra pharmacist resources are required to interpret the prescriber's intent. 

With rare exceptions, dose range requests should be handled through two separate (but linked) orders. The first sets a regular baseline dose at consistent intervals. The second specifies an as-needed (PRN) dose that can supplement the baseline, possibly at a different administration frequency. 

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2021-04-03

Meditech Considerations for Connect Care Wave 3 Launch

As not all locations in the Peace Country Meditech Ring are going live in Wave 3, North Zone prescribers (both in Connect Care Wave 3 and those remaining on Meditech) may be affected at launch.

Meditech encounters (i.e., a case or visit in a pre-registered, waitlisted, scheduled or active state) converted to Connect Care will still appear in Meditech. They will be in either a discharged or open state.

Other important considerations for Wave 3 prescribers:

  • As previously posted, it is very important to complete and close legacy charts by April 9, 2021. 
  • After 05:00 on April 10, 2021, all charting should take place in Connect Care. 
  • After launch, Connect Care users can expect read-only access to Meditech records. Some users, previously identified by their leaders, will have continued read and write access. 
  • For North Zone prescribers who are not part of Wave 3 and are remaining on Meditech, orders should not be sent in Meditech to locations that have transitioned to Connect Care. Netcare can be checked when needing patient information for departments that have transitioned to Connect Care.
  • There will be a scheduled Meditech downtime for Northern Lights and Peace Country from April 9, 2021 23:30 to 05:00 April 10, 2021.

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2021-04-02

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2021-04-01

Improved Support for RAAPID Consultations

The Alberta Health Services "Referral, Access, Advice, Placement, Information & Destination" (RAAPID) service facilitates physician access to consulting services for patients who may need transfer between sites or additional advice about care at a current site. Typically, participating emergency and specialty physicians generate separate "Telephone" encounters to document their interactions through a RAAPID consultation.

RAAPID is now fully enabled by Connect Care. A new "Intake" encounter type supports RAAPID activities. This provides an easier workflow for consulting. 

The RAAPID encounter navigator streamlines documentation and communication throughout a patient transfer event, while also making the information easily accessible in any resulting inpatient encounter. Instructions are provided about how to handle any orders that may be required.

RAAPID workflows using the Intake encounters are explained in brief tip sheets:
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2021-03-22

Important Updates to Home Care Referral Workflows

Referrals for home care services are managed in Connect Care as part of “Continuing Care Access” (CCA), with workflows introduced late last year.  

Growing experience with Home Care orders has helped identify opportunities for improvement, especially the creation of a new Home Care orders panel with more embedded guidance.

Prescriber tips and resources have been updated to reflect changes that will be in production as of April 1, 2021:
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2021-03-19

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    2021-03-17

    When Will Prioritized Order Sets Be Ready?

    Order sets help organize diverse actions pertinent to a clinical need. Admission order sets, for example, coordinate instructions for goals of care, vitals, fluids, nutrition, activity, investigations and treatments. 

    Order sets can help providers align their choices with best available guidance while dramatically reducing the time taken to coordinate many related actions. Personalized order sets, configured with common choices already selected, speed workflows even more.

    Connect Care Area Councils set priorities for order set development, with the majority of requests designed, built, validated and implemented at or immediately after the Wave 1 launch. Some gaps remain, with the following summary of current progress:
    • 453 order sets have been successfully deployed in support of Connect Care Waves 1 and 2.
    • Since Wave 1, 769 of 807 order set related enhancement requests have been fulfilled.
    • Approximately 130 of the Wave 1 prioritized order sets did not deploy in time for launch. The majority have since been built, 36 are in production but the remainder await validation, with delays incurred by all the work associated with pandemic urgencies. Additional resources have been allocated to overcome bottlenecks, with expectation that built order sets will be fully validated and released to production this summer.
    • Over 30 optimization order set projects (urgent need related to post-launch discoveries) have made it through design, build, validation and implementation.
    • All order set deliverables for Wave 3 have been met.
    • A number of new order sets are in the works for Wave 4, with build underway, validation scheduled for the late spring and launch to production expected in early summer.

    2021-03-16

    COVID-19 and Connect Care - Variant of Concern Test Results

    Starting March 18, 2021, COVID-19 positive samples will have variant of concern information reported to the ordering clinician following current result-routing (In Basket) protocols. The information will be available within Connect Care results displays, appearing as "COVID-19 Variant Nucleic Acid Test". Variant of concern testing is done on all positive COVID-19 samples.

    Variant of concern results will be reported separately from routine COVID-19 test results (e.g., NAT nucleic acid tests, ID NOW test, antigen-based tests), to be interpreted as follows:
    • Negative - No variant of concern, but patient is still COVID-19 positive
    • Positive - A variant of concern is detected and the strain is specified
    • Unresolved - The viral load is too low to confirm variant testing
    Both "Positive" and "Unresolved" results should be treated as positive when considering infection prevention and control precautions, cohorting and isolation.
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    2021-03-14

    Anticipating a Move?

    Prescribers may change or leave a clinical practice. Typical reasons include a move to a different jurisdiction with a different record of care, promotion or retirement. Indeed, many trainees transition to new roles and locations in the coming months.

    For those changing roles and also moving away from where Connect Care is the record of care, off-boarding protocols must be followed. 

    Clinical privileges are handled through Zone Medical Affairs Intake. In addition, specific Connect Care off-boarding tasks require attention. These include ensuring that In Basket is assigned to a responsible provider or group, Provider Team relationships are updated, the Phone Book (provider registry) is corrected, Therapy Plans are re-assigned, and Secure Chat settings are updated.

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    2021-03-13

    New 'Day at a Glance' View in MyChart for Inpatients

    Hospitalizations offer an important opportunity to introduce the MyChart patient portal to patients and families, and to promote its use as an aid to care, discharge planning and follow-up. Ward staff (inpatient) can build MyChart activation into patient education activities, and prescribers can routinely check whether their inpatients are aware of portal options.

    Starting March 16, 2021, active MyChart users are automatically presented with a "Day at a Glance" display when admitted to a healthcare facility using Connect Care as its record of care. This includes information about the patient's:
    • Inpatient healthcare team
    • Diet
    • Medications
    • Upcoming interventions (imaging, tests, procedures)
    • Consultations
    Effective use of MyChart during hospitalizations can engage patients and their families as active members of the healthcare team. Research and experience shows that timely patient information access actually decreases clinician information burdens, as patients and families ask more focused questions and have easier independent access to answers. Also, families can do better when timing visits to fit with inpatient activities.

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    2021-03-12

    On Other Channels...

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    2021-03-10

    Impact of System Changes on Personalizations

    "Personalization" tools help Connect Care users to streamline workflows, increase efficiency and decrease information burdens. It is possible to save groups of orders (with all desired settings) as a personal panel, for example, and reduce a multi-step process to just a few clicks the next time it is needed. Personalization tools can also be used to record common documentation, billing and other tasks for quick recall. Full order sets can be saved with one's usual choices.

    So, what happens if one of the pieces of a saved personalization is changed system-wide? A specific medication may be discontinued, new data might be required for a laboratory test requisition, and building blocks used in text automations (e.g., SmartPhrases) may be updated.

    Most system updates do not affect personalizations that users may have saved. Others, such as changed medications or tests, could have a significant impact. We are working on a simple guide to help users anticipate impactful changes. We are also working on an online listing of all system changes that might affect personalizations.

    In general, changes are made obvious to users. Where possible, users are alerted to the changed object with a hard stop when trying to use a personalization containing the object. The personalized preference list can then be updated to again use the prescriber's default answer, and the hard stop will be removed.

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    2021-03-05

    Patient Movement Presentations

    We've previously posted about the Patient Movement Readiness Series, which has now ended. Almost 300 operational staff attended the Patient Movement Fundamentals and Live System Demonstrations over the past two weeks. In case you missed these events, you can access recordings of the sessions at the following links:

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    2021-03-04

    Results Management Toolkit

    Connect Care promotes quick access to new and past test results so that all providers participating in the care of a patient are informed and can take appropriate action. Effective results management is essential to patient safety. 

    Results management includes not only the return of test results for review but the documentation and communication of actions taken on those results and the safeguards in place to ensure that test results are not missed in day-to-day workflows.

    A Results Management Toolkit has been prepared (and will be continually enhanced) to help prescribers hone effective and efficient results management habits. The toolkit provides links to training materials, tip sheets, frequently asked questions and other helpful tools in one convenient location.

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    2021-03-01

    Patient Movement IFT Demonstration - Tuesday March 2, 2021

    We've previously posted about the Patient Movement Readiness Series, with live system demos of patient movement workflows happening this week. The next Patient Movement Demonstration, occurring March 2, 2021 from 12:00 to 13:00, is dedicated to interfacility transfers (IFT). Topics include:

    • Transfers to a Connect Care site
    • Transfers to a non-Connect Care site
    • Leave of absence (LOA) for procedure
    Use the link below to register for this one-hour event. The remaining sessions are described in a Patient Movement Readiness Handbook, and a self-guided learning video series with area-specific videos is available via a guide, both linked below.

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    2021-02-26

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    2021-02-25

    MyChart Reporting Dashboard

    The "MyChart Department Utilization" dashboard is now available. This dashboard outlines the use and uptake of MyChart. It allows operational managers, supervisors and physicians to view how staff and patients are progressing with MyChart in an outpatient context (limited to the logged-on user's department). Prescribers can also explore how patient portal functions are impacting their practice.

    The dashboard is available to operational managers, operational supervisors and physicians.

    To find more about how to access and view content found in this dashboard:

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    2021-02-22

    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 February 22-26, 2021, includes Patient Movement Fundamentals Readiness events. These sessions outline basic functions that support safe movement of patients through a facility. Related workflows are explored. Use the link below to register for any of the (repeat) one-hour patient movement events.

    Live system demos of patient movement workflows are scheduled for the week of March 1-5, 2021. These sessions are described in a Patient Movement Readiness Handbook, where topic lists and registration links are provided. A self-guided learning video series with videos relevant to your work area is also available via a guide, linked below.

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    2021-02-21

    Documentation Quality Improvement

    The Connect Care Documentation Quality Improvement initiative seeks to enhance the utility of summative documentation templates for history & physical, consult, discharge, transfer, and operative notes. Oversight is provided by the Clinical Documentation Quality Improvement Workgroup, reporting to the Clinical Documentation Committee.

    While Builders, Power Users, Super Users, Informatics Leads and Superusers actively participate in much of the improvement work, any Connect Care user can have input. A presentation provides context and a plan. "Work packages" emerge from time to time on our Informatics channel, each containing a presentation on a documentation topic and instructions about how interested users can provide feedback.
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    2021-02-17

    Submit Connect Care Improvement Ideas

    Connect Care users are represented through Area Councils and Speciality Workgroups. These, together with local user groups, help generate suggestions for new functions, and improvements to existing functions. Connect Care oversight, advocacy and community structures also help to set priorities and identify urgent fixes.

    Another way for users to fuel continuing improvement is to directly submit enhancement ideas for consideration. These get "ticketed" and all tickets are characterized, considered and prioritized, usually through Area Councils and Specialty Workgroups.

    Submitting a suggestion is done using the same Connect Care Concierge (help.connect-care.ca) that enables non-urgent support requests. Although the online form reads like a problem-reporting tool, it is intended for both problems and suggestions. Think of the "issue title" as a "suggestion title" and enter a recommendation in the "issue description" box. A Concierge ticket is generated, and is the best way to draw attention to user suggestions.

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    2021-02-15

    Connect Care Research Webinar - Workflow Walk Through - February 17, 2021

    The next Connect Care Research Webinar, occurring February 17, 2021 from 12:00 to 13:00, is dedicated to a "Workflow Walk Through."

    The webinar will explore illustrative outpatient and inpatient research visits, highlighting how research coordinators prepare for, arrive and start the visit (including queuing, signing, releasing and acting on orders); sign and close a visit; and complete research charge reviews. 

    All clinical research stakeholders are welcome. However, the specific work flow steps covered are immediately applicable for Wave 1 and 2 research end users already active in Connect Care. Epic representatives will be on hand to answer questions immediately following the presentation and demonstration. 

    For more information about Connect Care Inquiry and Research:
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    2021-02-12

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    2021-02-11

    Nuance and Epic Best in KLAS-mates

    We've posted about Epic's continuing success in the KLAS awards for health information systems.

    Connect Care users have embraced in-system dictation, speech recognition and voice activation. Indeed, in-system dictation has been so widely adopted that it has spontaneously replaced other pathways to dictation. The ability to dictate using personal devices, anywhere, anytime is wonderfully convenient.

    Nuance's Dragon Medical One product has become central to the Connect Care offering. It is pleasing to see that this product also wins a Best in KLAS award for 2021!
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    2021-02-10

    Epic stays top of KLAS... Again!

    Epic System's electronic health record software, the centrepiece of Connect Care's clinical information system (CIS), continues to excel in the "Best in KLAS" awards... for an 11th straight year!

    The 2020 awards, based on an annual survey of health information system users (including opinions of physicians and other healthcare decision-makers from >4,500 hospitals and >2,500 clinics), go to Epic in the categories of:
    • Inpatient (Acute Care, large hospital)
    • Enterprise Suites
    • Outpatient Clinics (over 75 physicians)
    • Practice Management
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Patient Flow
    • Application Hosting
    • Oncology
    • Patient Portals.
    We are happy to work with such a strong technology partner!
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    2021-02-09

    CMIO Practice Charting for Connect Care Users

    The Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) has developed a Practice Charting plan for CMIO users (prescribers) who want to practice dual charting in Connect Care. CMIO Practice Charting does not replace Clinical Operations Shadow Charting. Instead, it targets CMIO users who are unable to participate in or were out of scope for Shadow Charting, or who want additional practice. (Note that Shadow Charting only targets High Risk/High Volume workflows and is not available in all clinical areas, so many prescribers will not have an opportunity to participate in Shadow Charting.)

    The Practice Charting plan consists of four parts:

    For more information, see the new Practice Charting page in the Connect Care Manual.

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    2021-02-08

    Connect Care Wave 3 Workflow Dress Rehearsals - Physician Participation

    An important Wave 3 Connect Care readiness event is soon upon us. A series of "Workflow Dress Rehearsals" (WDRs) occurs between March 15 and April 1.

    WDRs provide clinicians with opportunity for hands-on practice using the Connect Care clinical information system (CIS) in simulated workflows. The current CIS build is exposed for testing in real clinical contexts, usually with the computers and devices that will be used at Wave 3 launch. Physicians, nurses, other clinicians, managers and the project team work together to identify any issues and find solutions pre-launch.

    The WDR events (at each Wave 3 facility) promote end user confidence, give teams a chance to check that workflows work as intended, demonstrate that end users can successfully complete Connect Care and facilitate end user understanding of downstream effects of their actions.

    Physician participation (and help with demonstration) is very important! To sign up for participation or observation (physician roles are listed in the schedule, linked below), please email cmio.nz@ahs.ca.

    For more information:
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    2021-02-07

    All User Bulletin - Workspace ONE Hub App

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

    Workspace ONE Hub App

    On February 9, you may notice a request to approve the installation or upgrade of the Workspace ONE Hub application (app) on your mobile device. If you experience this message, please tap "Accept".

    Workspace ONE is the device management software Alberta Health Services uses to ensure protection of sensitive data, and to facilitate distribution and maintenance of apps on mobile devices (including iPhones, Android phones, iPads) in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This program needs to upgrade the Workspace ONE app to a newer supported version. The upgrade will automatically be pushed to devices enrolled in the BYOD program. Some users may receive a request to install the app; users will need to accept the installation to continue to receive support for the BYOD program.

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    2021-02-04

    Netcare Timeout Defaults Restored

    Netcare session timeouts and personalization have been restored as of Thursday, February 4, 2021.

    The forced 30-minute timeout for Netcare idle sessions has been removed. Individual timeout settings have been reverted and users are now able to personalize their timeout durations again (to a maximum of 2 hours). 

    For any questions or concerns, AHS employees can contact 1-877-311-4300, while Community Alberta Netcare users (outside AHS) can contact the Provincial Helpdesk at 1-877-931-1638.

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    2021-02-03

    Connect Care Waves Update

    As previously announced, Connect Care's Wave 3 launch date was moved from February 2021 to April 2021 to accommodate pandemic pressures. This, in turn, impacts the scope and timing for Waves 4, 5 and 6. These highlights reflect changes being announced today:

    • There will still be nine implementation waves in total, to be completed in 2023.
    • A modified Wave 3 launches April 10, 2021, primarily in the North Zone.
    • Wave 4 will launch November 7, 2021, to include the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, the Alberta Children’s Hospital and Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary, as well as Calgary Zone rural and urgent care sites (with aligned clinics and services), the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatric Centre, Central Production Pharmacy and all labs in the Edmonton Zone which have not already implemented Connect Care. 
    • Wave 5 will launch May 14, 2022, to include the west area (former David Thompson Health Region) of Central Zone, Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Central Zone, Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre and Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Cancer Care (and associated pharmacies), Alberta Kidney Care South, and all lab services in the rural portion of the west area of Central Zone.
    • Wave 6 will launch November 6, 2022, to include Grey Nuns Hospital, Misericordia Hospital and Alberta Hospital Edmonton in the Edmonton Zone, the east area (former East Central Health Region) of Central Zone, the Rockyview General Hospital and the South Health Campus in Calgary Zone, the associated pharmacy services in Edmonton, Central and Calgary zones, lab services in the rural portions of the east area of Central Zone, and Alberta Precision Laboratories in the Calgary Zone.
    • Wave 7 will launch in the spring of 2023, to include the east side of the North Zone (former Aspen and Northern Lights Health regions), the South Zone, including the stand-alone long-term care sites, and the associated pharmacy and lab services for these sites and programs.
    • Details for Waves 8 and 9 are still being determined and will be shared when available.

    More information about the scope and sequencing of the waves is available on an updated Wave Implementation Diagram.

    It’s important to understand that future adjustments may be needed as we continue to rollout Connect Care. Patients and our healthcare teams will continue to come first in every decision we make, as we work to ensure each wave can be launched effectively and safely. 

    The commitment to Connect Care has not changed and its successful implementation remains an organizational priority.

     

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