International eHealth Designation Places North York General Hospital at the Top in Canada
Toronto, April 12, 2011 – On April 1, North York General Hospital (NYGH) became one of only three large hospitals in Canada to receive a Stage 6 designation from HIMSS Analytics, the research arm of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

Research shows that thousands of preventable errors are made in Canadian hospitals each year, putting patients’ safety at risk.  A significant proportion of these can be attributed to medication errors made using traditional manual systems. In October of last year, NYGH launched eCare Phase 2; its strategy to improve the quality and safety of patient care by replacing manual systems, vulnerable to errors, with computerized order entry (CPOE) and closed loop barcode medication administration systems.

“Our Stage 6 designation means our electronic medical record system is able to provide intelligent, evidence-based reminders to our physicians as they enter electronic orders for patients. All medical imaging examinations like X-rays are captured and viewed on computers, improving the quality of treatment and patient outcomes,” said Dr. Tim Rutledge, president and CEO, North York General Hospital. “As a community hospital, we are proud to be leaders and early adopters of eHealth strategies that are transforming how we provide quality care and ensure patient safety.”

Developed by HIMSS Analytics, the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) identifies and scores hospitals on their progress in completing eight stages of implementation (designated zero to seven), with the goal of reaching Stage 7, the pinnacle for a hospital where paper charts are no longer used to deliver patient care.  Progression to more advanced stages of the EMRAM has been demonstrated in clinical studies to correlate with improved outcomes for patients in hospitals, including more lives saved from life-threatening conditions.

“We are steadily working towards attaining a Stage7 designation that would result in further improvements in quality of patient care inside our hospital, and in the community we serve,” said Dr. Jeremy Theal, a gastroenterologist and director of Medical Informatics at North York General Hospital. "A Stage 7 designation means all hospital charts will be completely electronic and can be analyzed for quality improvement.  We will be able to share these charts electronically with our community’s family doctors, family health teams and Community Care Access Centres, ensuring the right follow-up care is available promptly to any patient when they leave our hospital.”

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) applauds North York General Hospital’s strong commitment to improving patient safety, quality of care and efficiency through eHealth. “Achieving Stage 6 of the HIMSS Analytics EMR Adoption Model demonstrates remarkable progress and dedication, and I look forward to seeing the hospital attain the highest level, Stage 7 – it seems that they are well on their way,” said OHA President and CEO Tom Closson.

Since the introduction of eCare, over 35,000 electronic order sets, which include the latest research and evidence for patient care, have been used by physicians at NYGH. In addition, nurses are using scanning technology and beside handheld devices to ensure patients are getting the right medication at the right time, eliminating many potential medication errors inherent in a paper processes.

North York General Hospital, affiliated with the University of Toronto, is one of Canada's leading community teaching hospitals. We offer our culturally diverse community a wide range of acute care, ambulatory and long-term care services across three sites, General Site, Branson Site and Seniors’ Health Centre. Family-focused care begins at North York General Hospital. We provide the best care possible for our patients and their families by focusing on operational and clinical excellence, learning and innovation, as well as being an active partner in the broader health-care system. Together we’re family, and we are committed to living our vision – Community of Success: Serving with Kindness.

-30-
For more information, please contact:
Elizabeth McCarthy, Senior Communications Specialist
P: 416-756-6725
E: elizabeth.mccarthy@nygh.on.ca