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A new Patient Data Display System was implemented at Wythenshawe Hospital's Cardio-Thoracic department. This system improved data accessibility for medical staff, becoming fully operational within six months.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Hospital Information Systems
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
Background:
- Wythenshawe Hospital's Cardio-Thoracic department serves as a major surgical center in Manchester.
- The department handles complex cases, including major accident victims requiring Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) care.
- Existing data management methods may have been suboptimal for a high-demand, specialized unit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation of a Patient Data Display System (PDDS).
- To detail the methods used for introducing the PDDS concept to various hospital staff.
- To outline the training procedures for staff using computer terminals for the PDDS.
Main Methods:
- Development and introduction of a Patient Data Display System.
- Training programs designed for doctors, nurses, laboratory, and paramedical staff.
- Phased rollout and hardware commissioning within the Cardio-Thoracic department.
Main Results:
- The Patient Data Display System was successfully introduced to all relevant staff groups.
- Staff were trained effectively in the use of computer terminals for the new system.
- The system achieved full operational status throughout the department six months post-hardware commissioning.
Conclusions:
- The implementation of a PDDS is feasible and beneficial for specialized hospital departments.
- Effective staff training and system introduction are crucial for successful adoption of new technologies.
- The PDDS enhanced data management within the Cardio-Thoracic department, improving operational efficiency.
Abstract:
Wythenshawe Hospital is a large general district hospital with more than 1000 beds, situated approximately 9 miles south of Manchester. The Cardio-Thoracic department, housed in the new section of the hospital which was completed in 1973, is the major centre for cardiothoracic surgery in the greater Manchester area. It also receives any major accident cases which require treatment within the Intensive Therapy Unit. This paper describes a Patient Data Display System and the methods used to introduce the concept of such a system, to doctors, nurses, laboratory and paramedical staff, and the manner in which these staff were trained in the use of computer terminals. Principles underlying the need for and requirements of such a system are also discussed. Six months after hardware commissioning the system was fully operational throughout the whole department.