Vital signs data in EMR The first phase of medical device integration has begun with the

rollout of upgraded spot check monitors on Wards 6.1 and 7.2.

Nursing staff on these wards are now able to actually record vital

signs data on the monitors (eventually replacing the paper

observation chart). In addition, information such as family worry,

conscious state and pain score can be entered to assist with early

detection of deteriorating patients.

Ensuring medical devices ‘talk’ to the EMR and patient information

is automatically uploaded to the EMR will enable immediate data

access by the patient’s healthcare team anywhere across Eastern

Health. EMR Solution Lead Maria Mammone has been working

with Cerner and our vendors to ensure this happens seamlessly

when we implement the extended EMR later this year.

This transition will help to reduce manual transcription and entry

errors which could potentially occur when using paper charts, and

will reduce time spent by nursing staff manually documenting this

information. We plan to extend the rollout of the upgraded monitors

across the hospital in preparation for the extended EMR.

The EMR Extension Project is a key deliverable of Eastern Health’s GREAT DIGITAL INFORMATION STRATEGY 2015-2020

Transforming healthcare into great health and wellbeing

Did you know …? Approx. 3,500 BHH staff and 3,900 staff Eastern Health-wide will undertake some form of training to prepare for the extended EMR rollout in October 2017.

Users test the new EMR Congratulations to our Eastern Health

‘testers’ who have completed an intense

three week period of User Acceptance

Testing (Phase 1), an important phase in the

EMR project.

Clinical and clerical staff have had their first

experience using the extended EMR,

working their way through a comprehensive

series of test scenarios, to test and validate

the system design for patient safety and

clinical efficiency. The second phase of User

Acceptance Testing (UAT2) starts on 24 July

with a strong focus on simulation testing.

Issue No. 4 June 2017

Nursing staff familiarise themselves with the upgraded spot check monitors

We’re getting ready for go-live The EMR Implementation Committee, supported by

the specialised working groups, is now overseeing the

preparation for the EMR Go-Live at Box Hill Hospital,

scheduled for October 2017. It’s also responsible for

the introduction of the new EMR system for

Emergency Departments (FirstNet) at Angliss and

Maroondah Hospitals from late 2017.

Training The EMR is going to impact all Eastern Health

clinicians and anyone who accesses patient

information, which means a significant number of

Eastern Health staff will require some form of EMR

training before the October go-live.

EMR Super User Manager & Training Support Marg

Curtis, and Clinical Nurse Educator Jan Hicks are

working with Cerner and the EMR solution leads to

develop a range of role-based learning materials.

These will be used to train not only Box Hill Hospital

staff, but staff across Eastern Health who will have

access to view documentation created at Box Hill

within their current PowerChart.

Online learning backed up by hands-on facilitated

practice sessions, ’how to’ guides and job aids to

navigate the new system are planned to ensure users

are confident in using the new EMR safely and

efficiently. We’ll also have local highly-trained super

users to support and coach staff. At this stage, staff

training is on track to begin in September 2017.

Your questions ...

As a clinician, how will the new EMR assist me in my work? The longitudinal electronic record (from a patient’s admission to discharge), will give you instant access to realtime patient data without having to search for paper forms or medical files. This information can be reviewed and assessed by staff from anywhere within Eastern Health, resulting in prompt healthcare and treatment decisions Information will be presented in the form of dynamic dashboards (similar to a car dashboard) designed to support clinicians by displaying critical patient information in an easy-to-read format for a quick and comprehensive status review of your ward or department. Alerts for the early detection of deteriorating patients, sepsis and a tool for managing deterioration will support you in patient care and improve clinical outcomes. How secure is the EMR? The EMR will only be accessible via a secure and auditable login which means patient information will remain confidential and secure. In the light of the recent cyber security incident in the UK, Eastern Health and Cerner are aware of the potential threat and are continually monitoring our systems to ensure they are secure and protected at all times.

More EMR information? EMR bulletins Eastern Health Weekly Email Allison.Harle@easternhealth.org.au

Eileen.Hamblin@easternhealth.org.au or emr@easternhealth.org.au

Visit our new EMR website, (click here). Or, call in and speak with a member of the EMR team: Level 2, Building B, Box Hill Hospital

Information available on the EMR Project intranet portal or here

Attention all staff: To ensure you are able to focus on EMR training in September, please complete your mandatory training as soon as possible, and by 31 July 2017.