The Clinical and Systems Transformation (CST) project is gearing up for the launch of the next phase of the project, nicknamed “Design 2.0.” This phase will focus on the design of our clinical workflows and the configuration of our new system.

The first design sessions are scheduled to kick-off at the end of February. The launch of this phase of CST follows the successful completion of CST re-planning work in November.

In addition to recruiting for full-time CST positions, leaders across our health organizations are working to identify and assign subject matter experts (SMEs), a key role on the project team.

SMEs will play a critical role

“SMEs will provide valuable input throughout the project, starting with design work,” says Vicky Crompton, CST’s Transformation Lead for PHSA. “Contributions from SMEs will ensure our clinical information system meets the needs of our health care professionals.”

SMEs will work alongside our design teams on a part-time basis. Their involvement will help ensure the CST project remains clinically informed and supported by evidence-based practices. Next week, health organization leaders will be working to identify and assign SMEs on their teams who have the knowledge and skills required for the design and configuration work. Some of the SMEs who were involved in the original design sessions will be asked to re-join the project, and there are also new roles to fill.

“We’re looking for good communicators who can think strategically about improving the patient experience and are able to consider the clinical and technical needs of the broad health system community,” says Dr. Eric Grafstein, CST’s Chief Medical Information Officer for VCH/PHC. “If you’re assigned as a subject matter expert, it’s a great opportunity to have meaningful input into the future of patient care.”

SMEs will come from across our health organizations, including clinical (e.g. physicians, nurses and allied health practitioners), corporate, operations and other areas.

New program liaisons

Recruitment is also underway for a number of new Clinical Informatics Lead positions that will serve as the main point of contact for clinical programs and specialty areas across all three health organizations. They will work with many key stakeholders both within and outside of CST to ensure the needs of the clinical programs and specialty areas are addressed. If you know anyone in our health organizations who would be suited to these roles, or potential external hires, please encourage them to apply.

An improved approach to design

One of the key outcomes of the CST re-planning phase is an improved approach to the design of the clinical processes and configuration of our new system. These changes are based on lessons learned from the first round, feedback from SMEs who were involved in those early sessions, consultation with other health care organizations, and input from Cerner.

The improvements include the use of a pre-configured “Model System” that will serve as a starting point for design work and will allow design team members and clinicians to see and modify the system as it is being built. Changes have also been made to the design and configuration process to make better use of everyone’s time, including SMEs.

“As we prepare for the design and configuration phase and put the finishing touches on our new overall project plan, we’re looking forward to moving ahead with the transformation,” says Jeremy Smith, CST’s Chief Transformation Officer. “This is a rare opportunity to affect the care of patients in our communities from one end of their life to the other.”

For more information on CST recruitment, check the job postings on your health organization’s intranet.

About the CST project

The CST project is a joint initiative of three health organizations: Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority and Providence Health Care. The project is designed to transform healthcare delivery systems and processes to improve the quality and consistency of the patient and caregiver experience. CST will support the health organizations in establishing common clinical and process standards, including work flows, order sets, clinical guidelines integrated plans of care and a common electronic health record. This clinical transformation will be supported by the implementation of a clinical information system that will replace aging existing systems. The project will be implemented in stages across the health organizations. Find out more at www.CSTproject.ca.