One challenge to efficiency has been processing OHIP claims accurately. Often data entry errors during patient registration result in incomplete transactions that interrupt insurance claim cycles, resulting in late filing or incomplete, inaccurate claims.

In an effort to resolve these inefficiencies, Osler envisioned a way to automate the patient registration process, standardize collection of patient data, validate Ontario Ministry of Health cards online in real time, and fully integrate to Osler's ADT (Meditech) system to confirm appointments - and ultimately eliminate patient registration errors.

That vision became reality at the June Annual General Meeting, when Osler unveiled PACETM, the Patient Automated Care Experience system, designed for patient registration. PACE is a self-service kiosk - much like an ATM machine - that can be conveniently located anywhere in a healthcare facility to speed up, streamline and guarantee accuracy in the patient registra- tion process.

One of the first of its kind in Canada, PACE was launched in April 2006 in collaboration with Aurillion Micro Systems (www. aurillion.com), an innovative software development company focused on healthcare products designed to improve produc- tivity and workflow for patient care. Powered by Aurillion's Waveforms® integration and workflow technology, PACE can be configured to integrate with all applications and workflow processes within healthcare organizations - HIS, Hospital ADT or regional EMPI, Departmental Scheduling, Laboratory services, Financial and Regional/State/Provincial Registries.

PACE Makes Its Case in Dialysis Unit

PACE can reduce patient registration time by as much as 95% and help hospital staff focus on patient care. At any given time, staff can access consistent and accurate patient or sched- uling data.

The PACE integrated workflow for the Dialysis Unit was conceived and implemented within three months.

Deployment Set to Expand

The prototype integrated workflow was presented in June. The pilot phase is underway - starting with the Dialysis Unit system at Peel Memorial Hospital. Kiosks are being deployed to three additional areas at the Etobicoke General and Peel Memorial sites.

This new kiosk technology is being evaluated carefully to ensure realiza- tion of all the projected benefits. Future PACE kiosks may feature Wayfinding, Recurring and Clinical registrations, patient questionnaires and health information.

William Osler Health Centre is raising the standard of patient care - and challenging other healthcare facilities to keep pace.

† The use of the term 'PACE' in this publication is not associated with the pre-existing William Osler Health Centre hospital program of the same name.

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