By Joseph Varghese
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The Clinical Information System (CIS), under which all patient records are stored and accessed electronically to ensure the safest and most effective care, will become operational at the Women’s Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) from tomorrow.
But officials have advised patients to bear with them if teething problems emerge during the transitional phase, especially since the Women’s Hospital is one of the busiest in the world itself, as pointed out by CEO Dr Nish Patel yesterday.
There may be some delay in the appointments in the initial stage of the implementation of the CIS. It will take around one to two weeks for the system to be completely operational.
Women’s Hospital is the second out of the eight hospitals under HMC to start CIS. Al Khor Hospital implemented the system in March this year.
Dr Patel noted that his team had put in a number of processes in place to ensure patients’ experiences are as smooth as possible, but asked for their understanding and co-operation during this transition period.
“Patients may face some difficulties in the appointments for next week. Those who are in urgent need can approach Al Khor Hospital or Wakrah Hospital,” he said.
Dr Patel explained that patients, having appointments after the start of the CIS implementation, were being contacted to keep them informed.
“We will ensure that the transition happens as smoothly and as quickly as possible. We look forward to the new system being up and running. It is one of the key strategic programmes for HMC and it will ensure we can continue to provide the safest, most effective healthcare to women in Qatar.”
Clive Gibbons, assistant executive director, Health Information and Communication Technology, and CIS director HMC, pointed out that the new system would improve medical efficiency on all levels.
“CIS will provide enhanced confidentiality for patients, less medication errors, more accountability and will set up a standard process with the concept ‘One patient One Record.’”
During the process of the implementation of the programme, Women’s Hospital will replace their existing paper-based patient clinical records system with a new electronic CIS. Once completed, all patient records will be stored and accessed electronically.
Under the system, patients will have one clinical record across HMC and PHCC and all clinicians will be able to get their patient’s full medical record instantly. This electronic system will ensure patients receive the safest and most effective care.
The CIS is a comprehensive system which has been designed in collaboration with clinicians. As this is such a large project, there will be a period of transition during which staff and patients will adjust. Women’s Hospital staff will need to gather more information from patients to register them in the new system, which may mean that appointments will take a little longer than usual.