Implementing a Clinical Information System

The OPOR-CIS is a significant advance in our current healthcare systems. It is a computerized system that is specifically designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services within NSH/IWK Health facilities. The CIS will have several components, some of which include:

• Fully Electronic Documentation
  • Shifting from traditional paper-based records to a fully digital format. This will allow for more efficient management of patient records, ensuring that all relevant information is easily accessible and updatable in real time. This not only improves accuracy in patient data but also facilitates a quicker response to patient needs.
• Front-end Dictation and Speech Recognition
  • This innovative technology streamlines the process of record-keeping for you as healthcare providers. By allowing medical professionals to dictate notes and commands, the system can recognize and transcribe these inputs into electronic records. This feature saves time and also reduces the likelihood of manual errors in data entry.
• Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE)
  • CPOE significantly enhances the process of ordering tests, medications, and other services. By allowing providers to enter these orders directly into an electronic system, it reduces the delays and errors commonly associated with paper-based orders. This system ensures that patient care instructions are communicated quickly and accurately.
• Clinical Decision Support (CDS)
  • CDS provides healthcare providers with real-time, evidence-based guidance to enhance patient care. CDS will integrates with the electronic health records, offering suggestions for diagnoses and treatment plans based on the latest clinical guidelines and patient-specific information, thus supporting more informed and effective decision-making.
• Access to clinical information within NSH/IWK Health facilities, regardless of the point of care
  • This capability ensures that healthcare providers within the NSH/IWK Health network can readily access critical patient data at any time and from any location within the health system. This will enhance continuity of care as well as overall patient safety.
• Closed Loop Medication Management (CLMM)
  • CLMM is a fully electronic process that documents all relevant medication information, from electronic ordering to administration. The CLMM process transforms patient care from a paper-based, manual process into one with electronic movement of information, standardization of care throughout the system (province) and a robust checking process at every step. CLMM includes medication reconciliation, medication ordering, medication order verification, procurement and distribution of medications, packaging, inventory management and barcode technology (for both storage and administration purposes).