2023-06-13

Dragon Medical One - Launch 6 Personalization Sessions

Personalization sessions for Connect Care's in-system dictation software, Dragon Medical One (DMO), are coming up for Connect Care Launch 6 prescribers. Those in previous launches (1-5) are also welcome to attend.

The personalization sessions are scheduled for the following dates/times:

  • Thursday, June 29, 2023: 18:00-19:00
  • Wednesday, July 5, 2023: 12:00-13:00

Registration is through MyLearningLink (MLL) (course name: Dragon Medical One (DMO) - Dictation Optimization Sessions), and sessions are via Zoom.

2023-05-25

Announcement: Calgary Zone Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, Dr. Karmon Helmle

Earlier this spring, Dr. Tom Rich, our ACMIO for the Calgary Zone, announced his retirement. We are pleased to announce that, as of May 24, 2023, Dr. Karmon Helmle has joined the CMIO team as the new ACMIO for the Calgary Zone. Dr. Rich will stay on until the end of June 2023 to support Dr. Helmle and the team during the transition.

Dr. Helmle is a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Calgary and has been contributing to the informatics team in the Calgary Zone as a Medical Informatics Lead physician for over a decade. She has a Master of Science in Health Informatics from the University of Victoria, with a focus on the barriers and facilitators to electronic order set uptake and sustained use. Her research involves leveraging knowledge translation and quality improvement to develop, implement, optimize, and sustain complex practice change and informatics solutions within inpatient care settings.

Dr. Helmle values teamwork, and as she moves into the ACMIO role, she is looking forward to working collaboratively on the optimization work ahead, with an aim to improve the lives of both patients and healthcare providers.

Please join us in wishing Dr. Rich the best and in welcoming Dr. Helmle to our team!

2023-05-24

All User Bulletin - Use of the Database Tab in Procedure (Lab) Orders

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

Use of Database Tab in Procedure (Lab) Orders
When prescribers enter orders to an inpatient, emergency or outpatient patient chart, they typically search for an order of interest and then select from the returned options. Order search results can be viewed in one of four "tabs", including "Browse", "Preference List", "Facility List" and "Database":
  • Preference List (usually the default) displays orders matching the search term as well as a preference list for the prescriber's specialty or department.
  • Browse can be selected to explore personal favourites previously flagged for frequent use by the prescriber.
  • Facility List can be selected to reveal orders (e.g., medications, laboratory tests, imaging) that are available for use at the current facility.
  • Database tab appears if the Facility List has been selected and reveals all orderables available throughout Connect Care (Alberta), even if those orders are not available in the current facility.
Prescribers should not use the "Database" tab for procedure (e.g., lab or imaging test) orders. This tab is used, for example, by laboratory staff when sorting out how to fulfill unusual requests. Some orders exposed through the Database tab may not be intended for prescribers or may not be actionable where the prescriber desires. The Database tab is appropriate for prescriber use when seeking medications that are not on the AHS formulary.

2023-05-23

Community Providers - Important Information for Delivery of Lab Results

Providers in the community who order lab tests or submit specimens for testing need to take action to ensure they receive these results. If requisitions are incomplete, patients could receive results before their providers. 

Every requisition given to a patient or sent with a specimen (including microbiology and anatomic pathology) needs to contain the authorizing provider’s full name, the clinic name, address, and submitter ID, plus the provider ID for the authorizing provider. 

For more information see: 

2023-05-12

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

Connect Care Communication Norms

Communication happens when one person or group relays information to another person or group, whereas documentation happens when information is managed to serve as a record.

Connect Care supports a wide range of communication tools, including voice, facsimile, commenting and secure messaging. Clinicians may wonder which tool to use for different communication needs, and how to use each to advantage.

Communication Norms are about what Connect Care users expect of one another for effective, efficient, safe and respectful information sharing within and between groups. Healthcare teams are encouraged to develop their own "communication compacts", clarifying how they will use different tools for different purposes. 

For example:
  • Chart "Sticky Note to Most Responsible Provider" can function like a "Doctor's To-Do clipboard" listing things to take care of on rounds. 
  • Secure messaging can be used for non-urgent reminders, such as the place and time of an upcoming team conference, that can be attended to within the next half-day (or so).
Urgent clinical communications should always be person-to-person, not relying on tools like sticky notes, secure messaging or In Basket.

2023-05-09

All User Bulletin - User Profile Error on Shared Workstation

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

User Profile Error on Shared Workstation
For highly shared workstations, there is a possibility that device performance will degrade due to the volume of user profiles existing on the device, as all user information is stored locally (including information for those users who may not have used the workstation for a while). In some cases, this issue may also be coupled with the device’s hard drive being nearly full. 
In such a situation, a user may get an error message when trying to log on to the workstation, noting that the user’s profile cannot be loaded. If you get this error message, call IT Service Desk or log the incident ticket to mention the issue above (Unit Clerks can do this), ensuring the Service Desk is provided with the barcode and physical location of the affected device. IT will then clean up the user profiles and data on the workstation. 
IT has put in new controls to avoid user data build-up, and will confirm if these controls successfully fix the situation after Connect Care Launch 6.
For more information, see the FAQ:

2023-05-08

Prescriber Ordering Norms - Are Verbal Orders Allowed?

Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) refers to the process of a medical prescriber entering orders electronically via a digital health record. 

CPOE involves much more than simply transcribing an order. The ordering process activates decision supports, patient safety protections and other aids to quality improvement. With a little practice, the CPOE process can also be much faster than written or verbal equivalents, as favourites, panels, personalizations and other automations come into play. In addition, Connect Care mobile apps make order entry immediately accessible from certain mobile devices, any time, anywhere.  

It is a Minimum Use expectation for all prescribers that all tests, interventions and medications that can be ordered in Connect Care are ordered in Connect Care. Compliance is tracked in prescriber performance metrics. 

Very few exceptions to CPOE are acceptable, as summarized in Connect Care Ordering Norms. A brief slide deck summarizes guidelines for telephone and verbal orders that comply with AHS and Covenant Health policies and procedures; it applies to operational (e.g., nursing and allied health professionals) and prescribing (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners) users of Connect Care, and provides practical examples and norms based on time of day. A work package also provides further details for interdisciplinary teams that may have additional concerns, questions or challenges regarding CPOE.

2023-05-06

Launch 6: We are GO!

All Connect Care systems activated on time at 05:00! 

Today, Connect Care welcomes 208 sites from across the province into the family, including seven Covenant Health locations. The first few days will be intense, but with lots of help at hand we are confident that progress will be fast. 

Prescribers, please make use of the drop-in centres and other launch supports (launchhelp.connect-care.ca). Watch this channel for any updates, as well as the Support channel for information on "hot topic" common issues that have been flagged for Launch 6 prescribers.

2023-05-02

All User Bulletin - Update Dragon Medical One Mobile App

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

Dragon Medical One - PMM Upgrade
Dragon Medical One (mobile dictation, DMO) users may be experiencing extreme slowness when using the PowerMic Mobile (PMM) app with an iOS device. While AHS users have not yet reported any problems, the vendor has recommended that all iOS users update their PMM app to the most current version to avoid this issue.
To update the PMM app, rather than using the app store, go to your device's list of apps ("Catalog"), click on the "Installed" button beside PMM, and confirm installation.

2023-04-27

Home Care Referral and Request Workflows Standardized and Simplified

Prescribers have previously reported some struggles with home care referral workflows in Connect Care. There were different instructions for a hard to remember process in inpatient and outpatient settings.

An integrated "Home Care Orders" order set is introduced April 27, 2023 to simplify processes for prescribers. The same workflow is used in emergency, inpatient and outpatient contexts.

The new ordering tool consolidates all activities in one place, while offering prescribers default instruction text for the most common home care service requests. Streamlined workflows are described in the Clinician Manual and linked tip sheets:

2023-04-21

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

2023-04-12

Break-the-Glass Control for Connect Care Self-Access Attempts

As of April 13, 2023, a Break-the-Glass technical control will be launched in Connect Care to prevent inappropriate attempts to access one's own health records. When users search their own name (or a patient's name that matches) within Connect Care, a warning message will be triggered. If the attempted access is for patient care, the user will be prompted to enter a patient care reason for access. Accesses that appear to be inappropriate or suspicious may lead to privacy investigations.

Note that MyChart is the only appropriate way to access your own health records within Connect Care without the support of your personal healthcare team or Health Information Management; accessing your own information through Connect Care directly is a breach of the Health Information Act.

2023-04-07

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

2023-03-30

Care Paths - Improving Patient Care

We previously posted about Care Paths, Connect Care's advanced clinical decision-support tools that can help clinicians coordinate evidence-informed care across person, place and time. Care Paths are keyed to specific health conditions. They match relevant patient information to Alberta-validated clinical guidance, while aligning multidisciplinary care with workflow-friendly recommendations. 

The first two Care Paths, Heart Failure (HF) and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD), launched in July 2022. Previously, evidenced-based disease management was only supported through digital order sets derived from paper equivalents. Care Paths add diverse documentation, decision and improvement supports. Upcoming Care Paths include Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, Cirrhosis, Breast Health, and Tracheostomy Management (pediatrics).

Care Paths have been shown to reduce unhelpful practice variation, prescribing errors, length of stay, readmission rates, patient mortality, and healthcare costs. They also improve patient follow-up with primary care providers, specialists, and specialty clinics. 

Uptake of the HF and AECOPD Care Paths at Connect Care sites has been positive, and over 700 prescribers have completed training available through MyLearningLink

For prescribers seeking more information:

2023-03-18

All User Bulletin - Alberta Netcare Portal

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

Alberta Netcare Portal - Applications Not Available
Netcare, Alberta's electronic health record, is currently experiencing an issue where several systems accessed through the portal are unavailable due to Alberta Health Network issues. 
The following systems are being impacted: Delivery Site Registry, Provincial Provider Registry, Immunization History, Pharmaceutical Information, Person Directory, Medication Profile, Pharmacy Care Plan, BPMH Medication Reconciliation, and IAM. Netcare users also cannot access specific Netcare functionality via Connect Care. Community results routing is not affected.
Technical teams and Alberta Health are engaged. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Update (2023-03-20 08:36): All functionality has been restored and services are working as expected.

2023-03-17

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

2023-03-15

Webinar: Optimizing Dragon Medical One for Epic

Are you already a user of Connect Care's in-system dictation solution, Dragon Medical One (DMO), or a Launch 6 prescriber wondering whether DMO could work for you?

A free webinar on DMO is being hosted next week by a fellow Epic client, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), and is open to all DMO users. The webinar will focus on the following topics:

  • Increasing accuracy
  • Adoption, efficiency, and use of commands
  • Keyboard shortcuts in Epic
  • Step-by-step commands to optimize workflow
  • PowerMic and PowerMic Mobile button configurations

The webinar will take place Tuesday, March 21, 18:00-18:45 and all Connect Care prescribers (previous and upcoming launches) are welcome to attend. To register, click the link below (note you will need an Epic UserWeb account to access):

2023-03-10

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

2023-03-05

All User Bulletin - Update Dragon Medical One Mobile App

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

Dragon Medical One - Update

Dragon Medical One (mobile dictation, DMO) users are experiencing intermittent issues with the pairing of PowerMic Mobile (PMM) for both iPhone and Android devices.  AHS is actively working with the vendor on a resolution. 
If you are encountering issues with your PMM please upgrade both your PMM and iOS/OS  to the most current versions.  If this does not resolve the issue, please note the time the issue occurred and contact the IT Service Desk (1-877-311-4300) as soon as possible. 
Additionally, you may try use of a tethered microphone/headset if one is available to you, otherwise please follow downtime processes as outlined in the downtime manual.  Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

2023-03-03

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

2023-03-01

Changes to Available DI Results in Patient Portals

What is changing

Beginning March 20, 2023, Albertans will be able to view diagnostic imaging (DI) results immediately upon release by the DI testing provider, through Alberta Health’s MyHealth Alberta in the My Personal Records (MPR) application. This will include DI test results from all sites and locations in Alberta, including most community providers, inpatient, ambulatory and emergency departments. This means that DI results will be available in MPR to patients at the same time they are made available to the ordering provider. 

To align with this change, starting March 20, 2023, DI test results will also be immediately available in the Connect Care patient portal, MyChart, for patients who have an active account. Currently, in MyChart, DI results are already available to patients, however there is a five-day delay from the time ordering providers receive the results to when those results are released to patients. With this change, the five-day delay will be removed, and results will be immediately available both to patients and the ordering provider. Having access to DI results in both the MyChart and My Personal Records will improve access and consistency of health information for providers and patients. 

Physicians and other providers will continue to have access to results through their usual delivery channels.

What to do

Given this change, providers may want to consider giving patients more information about the implications of different results at the time of ordering a DI test. 

To provide support and information to all AHS staff and prescribers, AHS is hosting two identical internal webinars on this topic. The Alberta Medical Association and AHS will also be co-hosting a webinar, which will be made available to prescribers both inside AHS and those in the community; a recording of that webinar will be made available after on the AMA website.

More information

2023-02-21

Connect Care Satisfaction Survey

You are invited to share your experiences with Connect Care! 

AHS has partnered with KLAS Research and the Arch Collaborative group, who administer standardized surveys across many healthcare organizations to collaborate, share successes and improvements and uncover best practices, in an effort to improve Connect Care in Alberta. 

It is important that we know how the Connect Care clinical information system (CIS) is working for you, so we can continue to adapt and improve the system. This survey will be available for 4 weeks, until March 24, 2023, and should take 8-10 minutes to complete. Your information will not be shared without your permission. Please complete the questions so we can work to improve the function of Connect Care. This survey is specifically for clinical staff who provide direct patient care. 

Aggregated survey results, which do not identify individuals or their responses, will be shared with AHS by KLAS and Arch Collaborative so we can better understand your experience and continue to improve Connect Care for you and Albertans. 

Providing feedback about your experiences in Connect Care will give AHS the information needed to make improvements for future launches and for those currently working in the system. Results of the survey will be shared back by the end of June. 

The survey and an FAQ can be accessed via the below links. If you have any questions about the survey, please reach out to ConnectCareSatisfactionSurvey@ahs.ca.

2023-02-17

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

2023-02-03

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels: