Kingston, May 13^th, 2013 – “PaJMa models” are commonplace at Providence Care, but it’s not what you think. “PaJMa” or Patient Journey Modeling Architecture is an innovative and detailed way of representing the patient experience, and Providence Care has adopted the process to better understand the patient journey from admission to discharge.  Providence Care is the first in the South East Local Health Integration Network (SE LHIN) to adopt the methodology to improve its processes as the organization implements an electronic patient record (ePR) system.

 

“We met with and worked with worked with many front line staff from every discipline and every unit to develop these very detailed models,” said Pam Kendall, an ePR Clinical Analyst at Providence Care. “This was a real team effort to complete.” Up to 13 detailed PaJMa model diagrams were done for each of the hospital sites 11 patient care units.

 

“It is critical we understand a patient’s footsteps through the system in order to help make sure the right information is available to the right health care professional at the right time,” added Heather Frost, ePR Clinical Analyst. “When we know how the information is flowing now, we can identify any potential gaps, and make the experience better for the patient and the care team.”

 

The models show who the patient interacts with, when and where healthcare professionals obtain patient information, how it is recorded, and whether paper, fax machines, telephones or computers are required in the process. This methodology was developed by Dr. Carolyn MacGregor and Dr. Jennifer Percival from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).

 

“PaJMa modeling has facilitated the identification of similar processes across patient care units and across Providence Care’s two hospital sites. The models helped identify areas where the communication flow could be improved and, moreover, were processes could be streamlined,” said Shari Brown, ePR Manager for the Nursing and Order/Results Management (ORM) related portions of the ePR project.

 

“It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside the team from Providence Care as they prepare for the use of new information technology to improve the quality of care they provide,” said Dr. Carolyn McGregor, one of the PaJMa methodology creators. “They are quickly becoming innovative leaders in health care transformation and it is a testament to their dedication and commitment.”

 

The SE LHIN is now offering training on the PaJMa methodology to all hospitals in their sector.

 

“This methodology will facilitate the understanding of all stakeholders of system requirements, information flows, technology and non-functional requirements. But most importantly the focus is on the patient’s journey,” said Julia Swedak, Senior Project Management Office Lead, eHealth SE LHIN.

 

 

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Veronique Scott, Communications Officer – ePR Specialist

Office: 613-548-5567 ext.1328