The North West Area Health Service has replaced its 20-year-old patient administration system with an up-to-date integrated statewide system.
The new system, launched at the Mersey Community Hospital today by Health Minister Lara Giddings, allocates each patient a single identification number which will apply across the State and lays the foundation for the introduction of the electronic patient record.
“This is about using the latest technology to benefit Tasmanian patients,” Ms Giddings said.
“The new system allows our health system to take a huge leap forward in the way we track patients and maintain comprehensive medical information about them.
“It will make the system more accurate, efficient and responsive – ultimately benefiting our clinicians and other health professionals and making things easier for the patient.
Ms Giddings said the North West roll out of PAS delivered on the State Government’s four-year, $18.5 million Budget commitment to support the development of integrated health information systems and infrastructure.
“More than 2000 health employees have so far been trained in the new patient administration system.
“This significant investment in IT is crucial in underpinning our far-reaching reform of health service delivery in line with Tasmania’s Health Plan,” Ms Giddings said.
Ms Giddings said the Launceston General Hospital was the first to go live with the $12 million new Patient Administration System (PAS) in October, with the Royal Hobart Hospital set to come onboard in June next year.
North West eHealth Projects Manager Barbara Ringeisen said that in the past patients could have multiple ID numbers, making it difficult to keep records current.
“The new system allows hospital staff to follow the patient in real time, providing up-to-date information at the click of a mouse,” Ms Ringeisen said.
“The new Statewide patient identifier also lays the groundwork for the next step – the more advanced electronic patient record.
“And it will also help in the area of discharge planning, with staff better able to assess when beds will become available, helping to avoid bed blocks.”
Ms Ringeisen said that teething problems could come with the introduction of any new system, and she appealed for members of the public to be patient during the initial weeks of implementation.
“Our employees have received extensive training for the new system, but sometimes things happen that are not expected. However these will be followed up quickly.”
“In the coming weeks there may be short delays for people in outpatient clinics and we ask for the public’s understanding at this time.”
Ms Ringeisen said PAS was just one of the new technology advances being made in hospitals in the North West.
“Electronic Discharge Summaries (EDS) have also been recently introduced, bringing an end to hand-written photocopied information being sent to General Practitioners,” she said.
“EDS include information like diagnosis and treatment, test results, medications and any follow-up arrangements.
“They are sent to a patient’s GP after they are discharged from hospital.
“Under the old system, GPs were often unable to read the information, but with the introduction of EDS, this issue has been resolved, as they are now typed and emailed.
“The initial feedback we have received from GPs has been largely positive and we are working to further improve the efficiency of the new system.”
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Lara Giddings, MP
Quelle/Source: Tasmanian Government Media Releases, 01.12.2009
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