Mackenzie Health has been recognized as a national leader for successfully implementing a new, innovative information technology (IT) solution – called Visibility – that provides at-a-glance information to improve timeliness and quality of care. Part of Mackenzie Health’s Innovation Journey, Visibility is a great example of how collaboration, partnerships and evidence-based best practice enable excellent person-centred care.
Mackenzie Health is one of 11 organizations, projects and individuals recognized at the 2014 Canadian Health Informatics Awards Gala festivities, as part of the e-Health 2014 conference organized by Canada's Health Informatics Association (COACH).
Mackenzie Health received the Project Team - Innovation & Care Delivery Award for its collaboration with McKesson Canada to implement this innovative, hospital-wide tracking and reporting technology.
About Visibility
Mackenzie Health worked for almost a year on designing and implementing the project. Visibility consists of a system of electronic monitors installed throughout the hospital to help the healthcare team track essential information such as patient safety protocols and any other precautions patients may need, bed requests, room status, patient transfers and estimated discharge date. These large, electronic tracking boards use maps, icons and colours to provide easy access to information for all staff on the unit.
Two areas where most significant improvements for patients and families were recognized are:
- the Day Surgery Waiting Area, where a Visibility monitor helps patients’ families and relatives track their loved ones throughout the care journey; and
- the Information Desk, where Visibility boards assist volunteers in responding more effectively to queries from patients and families.
The Visibility solution complements existing departmental tracking boards, bed management and other location systems, extending the value of those investments and streamlining the patient flow process.
Synchronizing data from multiple sources and displaying real-time information resulted in a number of improvements across the organization, including:
- reduced the number of hours staff and physicians spend on administrative tasks, status meetings, updates between care areas and other interruptions;
- improved compliance for falls assessments for patients;
- helped reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, in-hospital fractures and pneumonia developed while in the hospital for surgery patients; and
- improved communication between patients and staff, physicians and volunteers.
Further Improvements
Further positive changes in quality, patient and staff satisfaction are expected. In Fall 2014, the Visibility boards across Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital will also display emergency codes, bed-capacity levels and staff assignment to patients.
Also this Fall, Mackenzie Health is scheduled to upgrade the system and be the first facility in Canada to use the 7.0. version of the system. A unique feature of this new release will be the ability to make it more customizable for staff and physicians, allowing individuals to see the information specific to their daily tasks and better plan their work.
QUOTES
“Mackenzie Health is committed to providing efficient and quality care to our patients, and to ensuring that our staff are well equipped to offer the best care possible. The recognition received from the Canada's Health Informatics Associationis yet another confirmation of our commitment and dedication to creating a world-class health experience.”
Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health
“The Visibility solution enables clinicians to access essential information in a centralized and efficient manner, allowing them to be more focused on patients and families. With a single glance at the Visibility monitor, they can track the patients in real-time and have all the information they need readily available.”
Richard Tam, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mackenzie Health
“Mackenzie Health wanted to create a common framework that all staff and physicians can understand and act upon. The implementation of the Visibility solution wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and commitment of every one of the team members.”
Diane Salois-Swallow, Chief Information Officer, Mackenzie Health
For more information, contact:
Melina Cormier
Chief, Communications and Public Affairs
Mackenzie Health
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7492
E-mail: melina.cormier@mackenziehealth.ca
Catalina Guran
Communications and Public Affairs Consultant
Mackenzie Health
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7490
E-mail: catalina.guran@mackenziehealth.ca
Quick Facts at a Glance:
- Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional healthcare provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services.
- Construction on the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is scheduled to begin in 2015. The Hospital will be completed and operational in 2019.
- Nationally recognized for its commitment to safety and quality patient care, Mackenzie Health was also awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest rating a Canadian healthcare provider can receive.
- Guided by a vision to create a world-class health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future.
- This focus is reflected in the organization’s strategic directions: Exceptional Patient and Family Experience; Excellent Quality and Efficiency; Community-driven Growth; and Great People, Systems and Partners.
- With over 600,000 residents in Southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada.