NSHA web-based medication apps earn national award
Work by Nova Scotia Health Authority clinicians to develop a pair of web-based applications that improve efficiency and patient safety in the use of medications has been recognized as a National LEADing practice by Canada Health Infoway and Accreditation Canada.
The Discharge Medication Reconciliation and Transfer Medication Reconciliation applications provide up-to-date access to an inpatients’ active in-hospital medications, allergies and home medications (if applicable) by interfacing with other clinical information systems.
“What impresses me most about this project is the collaboration that brought these applications to life,” said Janet Knox, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Health Authority. “By coming together as a team, including physicians, nurses and staff from Pharmacy and IT, Nova Scotia Health Authority has developed an effective solution that improves patient safety and efficiency.”
Development and implementation of these applications was driven by front-line clinicians at the former Capital Health, now Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Central Zone, starting with physicians who wanted to complete discharge orders in a more efficient and timely manner.
Other clinical groups involved included Pharmacy, IT, and Nursing staff. Ongoing physician and executive leadership support has helped move the project forward which is now in its next phase of development.
The applications aid clinicians in completing medication orders, allow staff and physicians to make notes for other clinicians when patients are being transferred, and provide discharge information to care providers who will follow patients in the community.
"It is my pleasure to name the Nova Scotia Health Authority a recipient of the 2015 LEADing Practice Award, recognizing its success in improving health and health care through the use of apps to help improve Medication Reconciliation,” said Michael Green, President and CEO, Canada Health Infoway. "Through its clinical leadership, the Nova Scotia Health Authority is demonstrating how clinicians can effectively use digital health in clinical practice across Canada."
The Nova Scotia Health Authority team was one of six in Canada recognized by Infoway in 2015 for LEADing practices.
A LEADing Practice exemplifies one or more of Infoway's opportunities for action to improve the patient experience, and one or more of the clinical benefits of digital health. It also represents best practice characteristics for use in clinical practice: Learning from others; Exemplifying benefits; Accelerating adoption; and Delivering results.
