As an established regional clinical information technology partnership we were provided with the opportunity to be early adopter sites for the implementation of Health Outcomes for Better Information and Care (HOBIC). HOBIC is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s Information Management Strategy. HOBIC involves the electronic collection of a standardized, systematic set of assessments which includes eight evidence-based health outcomes that are influenced by nurses’ care. The data elements captured in the assessment include functional status for hygiene, nutrition, elimination and mobility as well as the symptoms of pain, nausea, fatigue and dyspnea. The assessment also includes the safety elements of falls and pressure ulcers and a patient questionnaire regarding therapeutic self-care.
The opportunities and challenges of working as a regional group to secure an electronic solution for implementing these nursing sensitive outcomes will be presented. Effective leadership was a key factor that led to the development of a resourceful dynamic team which collaborated to influence practice, challenge technology and provide valuable outcome information to clinicians. We will share the story of implementing this EHR enhancement across multi-organizations which includes acute care, complex continuing care and long term care. In the spirit of collaborative success, the visions for both the HOBIC initiative and each of the unique organizations were valued and achieved.
Biography
Elizabeth Durrwachter is presently an Applications Consultant and HOBIC project lead for North Simcoe Health Alliance. Beth has been involved with the design and implementation of electronic documentation in the Meditech Client Server program at NSHA and has also maintained her longstanding expertise as a staff nurse.
Gloria Johnson is a Nursing Informatics/Clinical Applications specialist who is the HOBIC project lead for Headwaters Health Center. Gloria has also been strategic with the design and implementation of Meditech PCS, Order Entry and the Electric Medical Record at HHCC and also has expertise as a staff nurse for the past 27 years.
Virginia Ellis has clinical expertise in Critical Care and has most currently developed expertise in Clinical Informatics as workload measurement specialist and applications specialist for the Meditech PCS module. Virginia is the regional project manager for the HOBIC project and project lead for HOBIC at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie.
Heather McLeod-Soward has longstanding clinical expertise in Intensive Care. As the Meditech applications specialist for the OE, EMR, POM and PCS modules, Heather holds a key role in the design and maintenance of these systems. She has provided strategic leadership and support in the implementation of the HOBIC project at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital.
