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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
03:47
Workflow and Framework for Collecting and Implementing Point-of-Care Ultrasound Data in the Management of Heart Failure Patients
Published on: July 12, 2024
Enhancing operational workflow and patient tracking in an ambulatory setting
Greg Pauly1, Keith Jennings, James D Murray
1Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.
Summary
Massachusetts General Hospital developed an in-house information system to manage appointment scheduling in its new ambulatory care center. This system successfully integrated diverse scheduling platforms, improving operational efficiency for 9,000 daily patient appointments.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Administration
- Health Informatics
- Information Systems Management
Background:
- Transitioning to a new, larger facility presented workflow and communication challenges for administrative groups at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
- Existing smaller, isolated practice areas were replaced by state-of-the-art facilities with shared common spaces, necessitating new operational strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) utilized information systems to facilitate a successful transition into the new Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care.
- To examine the development and implementation of an in-house solution for managing appointment scheduling and operational workflows in a large, modern ambulatory care setting.
Main Methods:
- Following an unsuccessful vendor search, Partners/MGH Information Systems developed a custom application based on functional specifications derived from vendor requirements.
- The developed application was implemented in conjunction with the opening of the new Yawkey Center in October 2004.
Main Results:
- The in-house information system has been operational since October 2004, managing 9,000 patient appointments daily.
- The system successfully integrated appointment scheduling from all systems used throughout the building, addressing the operational challenges of the new facility.
Conclusions:
- Information systems played a crucial role in ensuring the successful operation of MGH's new 10-story ambulatory care center.
- The implemented solution effectively met the needs of clinicians, patients, staff, and practice managers during the transition and ongoing operations.
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