States of Guernsey streamlines patient care

By EgovAsia Editors | Nov 9, 2009

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Australia's States of Guernsey Health and Social Services Department (HSSD) has gone live with key
foundation elements of its island-wide Electronic Health and Social Care Record (EHSCR). Guernsey
has replaced its SWIFT Patient Administration System after 13 years of use, and simultaneously
implemented new Accident & Emergency (A&E) and Theatre software. This functionality is provided by InterSystems TrakCare connected healthcare information system that provides the single, shared electronic health record of the EHSCR.

The November 'go live' of the TrakCare PAS, A&E and Theatre modules included specialist Child
Health software from CSE Servelec that was chosen by InterSystems and interfaced with TrakCare
using InterSystems Ensemble rapid integration and development platform.  As part of the InterSystems contract, HSSD had already successfully implemented Pharmacy Stock Control from JAC, which had been interfaced using Ensemble to the existing SWIFT Patient Administration System.  These JAC interfaces were transferred to the new TrakCare PAS in preparation for a comprehensive medicines management capability.

To meet its needs, Guernsey developed a healthcare delivery framework for all elective and emergency services using a specially formed group of clinicians, The Medical Specialist Group (MSG).  For appropriate governance, MSG accesses all records and appointments information via the HSSD.  One of the key benefits of the EHSCR project will be to provide a safer and more efficient service by eliminating its previous largely paper-based data-handling system.

TrakCare was selected as the basis for the EHSCR because it creates a single patient index for all
the island's residents and will facilitate better communication between providers across all care sectors. All support staff will access a single, integrated record, no matter where they are located.  This will ensure they always work with the most up-to-date and comprehensive patient information thereby enabling timely, informed decision-making, which will enhance the standard of care and improve the patient experience.

"The previous system involved too much form filling and letter writing to transfer information around the HSSD and between the MSG and GP surgeries," said HSSD Chief Officer, David Hughes, continuing, "This all took time and could delay the prompt treatment of our patients. As the EHSCR project moves forward, we can look forward to a greatly streamlined approach to patient care."