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| Radiation Oncologist Dr. Margaret Anthes was able to see patients while away on vacation, thanks to MOSAIQ, an oncology Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system that was implemented in May 2013 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Regional Cancer Care Northwest. |
MOSAIQ is an oncology Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system that was implemented in May 2013 at TBRHSC's Regional Cancer Care Northwest (RCC NW) and at all cancer care partner hospitals in the region. MOSAIQ connects the cancer service providers in the region to the Regional Cancer Care Northwest electronic chart, allowing all care providers to access decision-making tools and clinical information to deliver safe, timely, and effective patient care.
Previously, the Regional Cancer Program used paper charts to document and manage patients through the continuum of care. A patient could have as many as five charts, making access to information and coordination of care cumbersome, particularly when patients are receiving cancer services in a number of different locations.
Sharon McKinnon, Manager, Cancer Treatment Programs, says the use of EMR is improving both quality and safety by ensuring patient information is legible and organized. "Unlike a paper record, an EMR can't be lost," says McKinnon. "When we solely used paper charts, the treatment record was separate. If we needed to send a record by fax, a busy line or issue with the fax machine could cause delays for the patient. Now, authorized staff throughout the region have access to the same information we do."
Canada Health Infoway, an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government whose purpose is to realize the vision of healthier Canadians through innovative digital health solutions, provided $2 million to cover more than half of the costs associated with implementing the system.
"Infoway's investment in the MOSAIQ system is one of the ways we are working with our partners in Northern Ontario and across the country to help increase Canadians' access to health services and improve the patient experience," said Richard Alvarez, President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway.
Not only is MOSAIQ supporting care closer to home, reducing paperwork and eliminating duplications of patient histories and tests, it is also improving efficiency in the delivery of care.
McKinnon says Dr. Anthes saw the potential of MOSAIQ to allow continuity of care. "Because Dr. Anthes was able to do consults with her patients remotely using MOSAIQ and the Ontario Telemedicine Network, we didn't need to find a locum, which saved patients from repeating their histories and duplicating medical services. Patients who have been coming to the Cancer Clinic for years bond with their doctor and nurses. For new patients, it meant not having to wait."
Dr. Anthes says she was glad to be able to connect and ensure continuity of care for her patients while away on vacation. "I saw up to 6 new patients per week, so that means there were 18 patients who didn't have to wait to be seen. It was not disruptive to my holiday and it allowed patients to continue flowing through the system."
About Canada Health Infoway
Funded by the federal government, Infoway helps to improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada. Through our investments, we help deliver better quality and access to care and more efficient delivery of health services for patients and clinicians.
About Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), a 375-bed acute care facility, is a national leader in Patient and Family Centred Care. As the tertiary care provider in Northwestern Ontario, TBRHSC provides comprehensive services to a population of over 250,000 residents in a region the size of France.
Effectively addressing the healthcare needs of patients and families has earned TBRHSC both Innovation Awards and Leading Practice Designations.
As an academic health sciences centre, TBRHSC is committed to teaching the next generation of healthcare providers and advancing medical research. Patients benefit from interprofessional teams of dedicated healthcare providers and access to leading-edge medical equipment and clinical trials.
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For more information:
Donna Faye
Communications Officer
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Tel: (807) 684-6926
Haley Armstrong
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Canada Health Infoway
519-939-9549
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