subject: Implementing a Region-Wide Electronic Health Records System for Edmonton-based Capital Health [print this page] Implementing a Region-Wide Electronic Health Records System for Edmonton-based Capital Health
As one of Canada's largest integrated academic health providers, Capital Health is responsible for providing complete health services to 1.6 million people. They operate 14 hospitals, with over 2,600 beds, 22 public health centers, nine mental health clinics, a nurse call center for health information and advice and a range of other health related programs.
To provide the highest levels of patient care, Capital Health knew in 2001 that an electronic health record (EHR) solution was a strategic priority for the organization. A well-executed and properly implemented EHR solution would connect and synchronize their current silos of patient data, improving patient care and making much better use of scarce resources.
Capital Health decided on an EHR portal model for several key reasons, including:
A portal provided a record that "followed" patients electronically, which allowed for better use of resources and patient care
A portal effectively leveraged Capital Health's existing IT investment and required no replacement of existing patient care systems
A portal displayed patient health information in a clinician-friendly, consistent manner across all Capital Health facilities and programs
A portal provided for easier upgrades over time with new information sources
The portal model allowed Capital Health to deliver EHR solution benefits and value to clinicians early in the process
The final EHR solution was a collaborative effort between numerous vendors, including:
Orion Health Concerto Portal
Quovadx Aligndex Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI)
Sierra Systems Project Management and Integration Services
Oracle Corporation Databases
Hewlett-Packard Servers
From March 2003 through December 2004, the consortium of experts planned, piloted, and rolled-out the completed EHR solution to a well-received group of Capital Health clinicians and healthcare providers. To learn more about the solutions and technologies used and to see how the EHR solution is benefiting Capital Health today, visit the full region-wide electronic health records for Edmonton overview.
