| |
River Falls Area Hospital enhances patient care with a click of the mouse
New electronic medical record system improves the safety and quality of patient care
RIVER FALLS, Wis. 02/12/2007--At River Falls Area Hospital (RFAH), the traditional file folder bulging with patient information is being replaced with Excellian, a new electronic medical record (EMR) system that will enhance the way in which providers deliver patient care. Starting March 1, 2007, this new system will allow patients to have one medical record that is accessible to caregivers at more than 76 Allina Hospitals & Clinics locations. RFAH's provider clinics, River Falls Medical Clinic, Ellsworth Medical Clinic and Spring Valley Medical Clinic, will have access to the RFAH electronic medical record as well.
Having one system reduces the number of times patients need to repeat answers to questions like "Are you allergic to any medications?" Also, information from hospital stays or clinic appointments at other Allina facilities is immediately available to caregivers, which will help improve the safety and efficiency of the care patients receive.
"Our new electronic medical record system truly enables us to provide higher quality patient care," says Nancy Reihl, laboratory manager. "One of the greatest advantages is that all of our providers can easily access patients' test results, procedures and diagnoses, regardless of which Allina facility delivered their care. The electronic medical record is the way of the future and something our patients deserve."
"Since the electronic medical record provides a more complete picture of a patient's health, we are able to make better recommendations about a patient's medical care," says Greg Miller, MD, physician lead.
As always, the privacy of patients' medical information is strictly protected and remains secure and confidential. Security measures are in place to monitor that only authorized personnel access patient information.
"This is an exciting time for patients and staff," said Randy Farrow, president at RFAH. "Because of the commitment RFAH physicians and staff have given to implementing the electronic medical record, the quality and safety of care in Pierce and St. Croix Counties has taken a great step forward.
Having a tool that ties all that information together is a tremendous asset for patients, care providers and the communities we serve."
Advantages of the electronic medical record
- Timely access to medical information. With a few clicks of the mouse, patients' complete Allina medical history can be viewed instantly by authorized caregivers - providing immediate, secure and easy access to patients' information.
- One source of patient information. If a patient has been treated at the hospital and is now at the clinic, documentation from their hospital stay is readily available.
- Immediate safety checks. The system automatically cross-checks any new prescriptions a provider is considering to ensure there are no negative interactions with the patient's allergies or current medications.
- One-time collection of information. Patients only need to provide their medical information once. After that, all they need to do is verify that the information is up-to-date.
- Advanced security. The system is equipped with security measures to protect patients' information, including a feature that monitors who has accessed each record.
About River Falls Area Hospital
River Falls Area Hospital provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency care services.
RFAH is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a family of hospitals, clinics and specialty care services in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. They are taking a leadership role to promote healthy eating and physical activity through their heart healthy living and obesity initiatives with an emphasis on childhood obesity. Over the next five years, Allina and RFAH will be working with community organizations to improve nutrition and increase physical activity to decrease obesity and improve heart health.
###
|
|
