Beyond the computer-based patient record: re-engineering with a vision

In order to achieve real benefit from the potential offered by a Computer-Based Patient Record, the capabilities of the technology must be applied along with true re-engineering of healthcare delivery processes. University Hospital recognizes this and is using systems implementation projects, such as the catalyst, for transforming the way we care for our patients. Integration is fundamental to the success of these initiatives and this must be explicitly planned against an organized systems architecture whose standards are market-driven. University Hospital also recognizes that Community Health Information Networks will offer improved quality of patient care at a reduced overall cost to the system. All of these implementation factors are considered up front as the hospital makes its initial decisions on to how to computerize its patient records. This improves our chances for success and will provide a consistent vision to guide the hospital's development of new and better patient care.