CST: Patients-in-transition sessions give Coastal teams a first look at end-to-end system
Coastal care teams recently got their first exposure to end-to-end workflows in the Clinical & Systems Transformation’s (CST) newly completed system in a series of patients-in-transition (PIT) sessions at LGH and Sea-to-Sky sites.
CST informatics leads, analysts and other project team members have been travelling to Whistler, Pemberton, LGH and Squamish, guiding Coastal physicians, clinicians and staff through hands-on exercises that cover almost 20 different patient scenarios.
Coastal participants also had an opportunity to ask detailed questions about practice changes coming with CST and learn about key considerations that have influenced the system’s configuration.
PIT sessions ‘like a teaser for a blockbuster movie’
CST’s integration test lead Henry Lam likened the PIT sessions to a teaser trailer for a blockbuster movie, giving Coastal staff their first look at the system before it launches.
Anesthesiologist Dr. Tom Kuca went through a session that involved a patient having an anesthesia consult before going to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and Surgical Day Care (SDC) to be discharged.
Dr. Kuca said that while the upcoming changes are daunting he appreciated getting a look at the system ahead of being trained, and getting answers to key questions like how a patient’s BPMH will be captured and when integration with PharmaNet will be possible.
Surgical program coordinators Loree Tadey and Jane Merrick’s scenario involved a total hip surgery in the OR. “I’ve been able to see how it all works,” said Jane after her session. “We were both subject matter experts two years ago so it’s great to see the [end product] now.”
“My friend, who uses a similar system, said after nine months your entire professional practice will change for the better and will improve safety for your patients,” added Jane.
Natasha Mohan, Coastal professional practice lead for respiratory therapy, said the sessions were “incredibly useful” from an allied health perspective.
“I think the biggest aha moment for me was just how everyone will be on the same page with each patient,” Natasha said
Max Besworth, a CST informatics analyst, says the feedback received from Coastal staff is encouraging.
“There’s been lots of excitement from front-line clinicians and physicians who are getting their hands on keys for the first time,” Max said. “But even those who have had more exposure are appreciating seeing the whole patient journey in the system.”
“It’s great to have everyone side-by-side,” said Max of the nurses, anesthesiologists, physicians, perioperative clerks, and more, that took part in PIT. “They can see what their colleagues will be doing [after go-live].”
What more participants experienced and said:
“You mean all this information flows through and I don’t have to go looking for it or document it three times?” – Labour and Delivery Nurse
“I had never used the system before and I was able to navigate with some help. I placed all orders and created an admission note in 15 minutes when it takes me one hour on paper.” – ICU Provider
“Hands-on experience was the best and to be able to observe what other team members are inputting, their view and roles was helpful.” – Inpatient RN
PIT sessions launched in Whistler and Pemberton in November, followed by two weeks at LGH. They wrap up in Squamish on December 14.