Western Reserve Hospital Launches e-Records System to Improve Care Delivery

Summa Western Reserve Hospital recently implemented its new electronic medical record (EMR) system called C.A.R.E. One (Connecting – Across – the Reserve – Electronically) to replace paper records and filing. Months in the making, the technological move is another measure that the physician-led hospital is taking to improve the patient care experience and further enhance safety throughout the hospital and its six outpatient locations in Akron, Green, Hudson, Kent, Stow and Streetsboro.

“The benefits of this project are fully aligned with our continuing efforts to zero-in on delivering the highest level of patient safety and satisfaction,” said Dr. Robert Kent, president and CEO, Summa Western Reserve Hospital. “C.A.R.E. One represents a substantial investment in resources, and every physician, nurse and staff member in our community have embraced the advantages this technology offers our patients.”

The completely computerized system makes patient information such as prescription notes, physician orders, nurse charting, diet guidelines and billing details quickly accessible throughout a patient’s visit to provide the best, comprehensive treatment.

“The primary advantage of C.A.R.E. One for both physicians and patients is that a single record is available anywhere, anytime and followed throughout the care process to ensure safety and to reduce duplication of information,” says Pam Banchy, Chief Information Officer at Summa Western Reserve Hospital. “One file can be shared and tracked throughout a patient’s lifetime so anyone administering care is, not only fully aware of a patient’s care history but, also informed of any immediate treatment needs in a ‘real-time’ platform as their records are being updated. The savings in printing, copying, faxing and transcription is also a benefit from an operational standpoint.”

The C.A.R.E. One system was created in conjunction with the healthcare services company McKesson, and the EMR involves all Summa Western Reserve Hospital employees to unify services. The system utilizes bar code scanning and verification to initiate care upon arrival. Every patient receives a bar-coded wristband that is scanned with the patient’s unique identification information. This is used for verification prior to tests and when medications are given. This is a vital link in the patient care delivery process throughout their hospital experience to ensure patient safety through accurate identification and various safety check points. Summa Western Reserve Hospital’s clinical team members will spend less time tracking down patient records, and more time with the patient.

Adapting with an ever-changing and fast-paced medical environment, physicians, nurses and medical professionals will monitor patient progress, testing and other medical information through the use of laptops, handheld devices and mobile nursing stations.

A several million dollar investment in safety and efficiency, Summa Western Reserve Hospital is also eligible for federal stimulus incentives to offset expenses in setting up the EMR. The hospital can apply to meet several government requirements for hospitals who establish an EMR system to substantiate eligibility for funding. Plans are already in place to begin this process this summer by demonstrating the productivity of the system to verify that the hospital has used it consistently in tracking information, feedback and decreased lab errors to implement even higher safety measures.