Standing Stone Helps Hoag Hospital Overcome Complex Data Management and Interchange Challenges While Improving Patient Outcomes and Productivity
Tom Lonegran
Executive Director Operations
Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute
As you know, many activities routinely performed by members of an anticoagulation management service (AMS) require careful attention to detail. One of the challenges we faced here at Hoag was the ability to collect, store, and retrieve vast amounts of patient data. Furthermore, certain data needed to be shared with referring or collaborating physicians or associated health care systems in an efficient, time-sensitive manner. CoagClinic® simplified much of this process. We found that Standing Stone's system was beneficial not only for data storage and the ability to easily export the data for further analysis, but also provided the tools and framework needed to optimize patient management. We were able to streamline many of our processes by implementing standardized lists of options, forced selections from drop down menus, and mandated completion of specific data elements enhancing data accuracy and completeness, which historically, is problematic with handwritten documentation.
With Standing Stone's CoagClinic® computerized applications that aid in clinical decision making for dose management and tracking of patients for compliance with INR testing we can easily identify positive improvements or areas that require a more intensive focus utilizing reports and various summaries. Together with the CoagClinic® program via the use of an HL7 interface we have been able to support and build an interface which provides the means to electronically transfer data from one data system to another. The ability to interface has reduced the likelihood of manual data entry errors as well as the delay in time involved with paper reporting systems. This has simplified and decreased the time it previously took to complete our enrollment and registration process by 50%. CoagClinic® has aided in the creation of a means to link or deliver templated messages from our AMS software to the patient’s hospital electronic medical records or care provider supporting timely communication. As previously stated this has resulted in a reduction in process times, increased productivity, reduced office space, storage needs, and supplies needed to create, house and maintain hard copy charts/files.
In addition, traditional, effective oral anticoagulation therapy is time intensive and requires comprehensive patient education and persistent reinforcement to achieve ongoing compliance. Therefore, as you can imagine, education is another big component in the management of our patients. With Standing Stone's program we are able to monitor and track a patient’s progress, identify areas in need of reinforcement with customizable data (forms, handouts, etc) that can also be added to facilitate our clinic needs. Another advantage is ease in providing real time information that can be given directly to a patient, mailed, emailed, or faxed at the time of service. With the recent addition of Emmi’s Solutions educational program patients can now directly access educational videos and handouts, even take notes and personalize forms related to their care directly via the internet.
Lastly, the web-based technology allows easy access from virtually any location for both patients and their providers. With the addition of Patient Self-testing and Point of Care Testing, patient-centered care is at the forefront of Standing Stones agenda. Thereby, emphasizing continuum of care throughout the patient’s lifetime from one provider or care setting to another. Continuity of care is essential, and Standing Stone's system can begin when therapy is initiated in the hospital setting and then follows anticoagulation progress into the outpatient care setting leading to more efficient care management strategies.