Patient Analysis and Tracking System for Mental Health and Addictions Program - Project PATS Requirement Determination

Abstract

Patient tracking is a key feature in efficient management of healthcare delivery process. Owing to the global impact of recession these are challenging times for hospitals in terms of not only managing the ever increasing patient demands but also with reduced capabilities of addition in physical capacity. Improving fragmented patient flow processes, incorporating cost effective technological innovations and further refining the processes with understanding of technology benefits are among the various methods employed to provide safe and efficient patient care. Project PATS is a focused effort for IWK’s Mental Health Department to track the patients’ journey through its program and thereby identify areas of improvement in patient flow process with a view to reduce wait times and make it efficient. Building such a database has its challenges that transcend people, process and technology. IWK’s Mental Health Department is presently in the midst of reorganizing its services as its moves along in its Process Improvement journey. Modifying processes, updating input forms and re- defining user tasks are at various stages of development. Add to it the technology constraints of MEDITECH, such challenges call for a customized approach to problem solving with a buy in from all stakeholders.