I am thrilled to inform you that the implementation of our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system is well underway and barreling down the tracks, full steam ahead.  While we expect to make a few unscheduled stops, overall we plan to arrive at our final destination on time.  As a reminder, this EMR solution will provide HHSC with an integrated health network giving health care professionals real-time access to patient information and improving overall quality across the entire continuum of care.  

After finalizing the contract with Siemens Healthcare in August 2011, the EMR Steering Committee, comprised of both regional and corporate representatives from various hospital functions, and Siemens team, have identified, prioritized, and completed a number of initial complex tasks as part of the project initiation phase by September.  In October, an extensive interview and selection process took place for new IT analysts, while subject matter experts from the various hospital departments representing our acute, critical access, long-term care and clinic facilities are also being identified and selected.  Additionally the assignment of over 50 EMR core team project members took place and training has officially begun. 

On November 16^th and 17^th all of the HHSC senior executive’s and the entire project core team met for a two day seminar in Honolulu.  The excitement and energy in the room was truly amazing.  The groups were given various presentations ranging from the overall project strategy to how effective communication will take place throughout the course of the project.  Team building and group activities took place.  Timelines were discussed, risks were reviewed and opportunities analyzed.    

At the same time, a technology assessment is being conducted across the regions to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the EMR implementation.  Siemens will be providing leadership and direction during our entire transition to EMR every step of the way, including managing the implementation; conducting training onsite, system design work sessions, and helping us determine best practices for undertaking our future steps. 

          Next important steps include:

                        Planning and Analysis (October – December 2011) – This stage will include data collection in specific areas from our existing clinical and financial systems in preparation for upload to our new EMR system.  Additionally, Siemens instructors will begin conducting educations sessions for HHSC resources assigned to the implementation

            Design and Configuration (January – June 2012) – This stage will include on-going work sessions with the EMR project team. One of the objectives will be to determine how the EMR solution can improve processes and workflow at HHSC.  System design and workflow will be developed, configured, and unit tested based on input from across the regions in preparation for an integrated testing phase beginning in July.         

As the project moves forward, you will be receiving more timely information from HSC Executives, your regional leadership, HHSC EMR project managers, others and myself. 

The importance of the implementation phase cannot be overstated.  EMR will no doubt prove to be the most important project HHSC ever undertakes.  It requires special focus and skills of our employees and Medical Staffs to meet the changing and growing needs of our patients.  Recognizing the community-hospital system's responsibility to fulfill this commitment, the HHSC regional leadership and Boards are completely behind the transition to EMR and believe in the practice of regional and corporate collaboration.  They are supported by management and various stakeholders across the organization that are also committed to ensuring our EMR implementation is a success. 

This is also an exciting strategic investment the State of Hawaii has made in support of our strategy and responsible goal to improve the quality health care HHSC provides our island communities

There is no doubt that such a collaborative effort will result in a stronger community-hospital system, which combines the strengths of our five regions focused on one major long-term goal: Having a fully integrated EMR system to improve patient outcomes.

Mahalo,

John N. Marnell

Director of Enterprise Applications and EMR Project Director

John Marnell,  HHSC EMR Project Director,  (808) 733- 9363, jmarnell@hhsc.org.  For more details of the project, check out our HHSC EMR website: http://www.hhsc.org/emrupdate

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