Author: Chris DeFrancesco

HealthONE: Celebrating Early Success

CIO Bruce Metz gets ready to kick off a celebration of go-live the morning of April 28. (HealthONE file photo)

UConn Health is now two months into a patient care transformation centered around an integrated electronic health record. As expected, it has been an adjustment period, but with the challenges come a number of success stories and early wins for the UConn Health community, including both providers and patients.

“We are in the early stages of our HealthONE journey,” says UConn Health Chief Information Officer Bruce Metz. “Go-live was only the beginning. We are starting to see some progress and benefits to patient care and efficiency that bode well for the future. The key is to stay on track by continuing to learn and refine HealthONE in order to realize all the capabilities it has to offer. Embracing the change with patience and foresight makes all the difference. It’s important to remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Here are some early reviews:

“I used to spend four hours writing notes. Now I only spend one hour writing notes.”
Dr. Neha Jain, psychiatrist

“HealthONE is WAY better than Nextgen for doing orders/charts for the doctor. Takes me a quarter of the time to chart. Vast improvement!”
Dr. Craig Rodner, orthopedic surgeon

“As an OR nurse, I love blood. With HealthONE, ordering blood is fast and easy! No more filling out lab slips, faxing and hoping that the fax made it to the blood bank. This is a huge improvement over our legacy system.”
Ellen Benson, OR nurse manager

Staff and leadership from the Outpatient Pavilion shortly after activation. (HealthONE file photo)

“Really happy about ‘No more writing and no more paper’ in the Phlebotomy Team Department! All work is accounted for individually.”
Aretha Floyd, inpatient phlebotomist

“One of my studies requires an extra blood sample with the early morning labs and with the use of the ‘Treatment Team Sticky Note’ on the patient’s chart, this sample was obtained easily. This process would not have been as seamless without our new EHR.”
Sharon DiMauro, clinical research coordinator

“It’s been great, especially for billing. We’re able to capture so much more now.”
Dr. Heiko Schmitt, cardiologist

“Prior to go-live, it was not uncommon to have three or four different programs open in order to provide proper care to patients. Now only one is required. HealthONE has vastly improved patient continuity of care and efficiency of documentation.
Dr. Ben Ristau, urologic oncologist

“One of my principal orders trainers shared that a surgery resident recently commented that he was ‘pleased with the technology leap forward’ that UConn has taken. As a resident that has previous rotations at UConn prior to HealthONE implementation, he notes the application is a great improvement.”
Liz Zibell, HealthONE clinical applications director

HealthONE Service Advisory–Resolved: Mobile App Connectivity

Click image for full instructions.

[Updated 3:15 p.m. June 19]

We had a considerable down time involving the use of our Haiku, Canto and Rover applications.  This has been fixed and all are operational at this time.  Should you have a device that is not reconnecting, please use the instructions on the attached document.

If that process does not restart your device and you are not back on line, please call 4400, option 1 and identify your device which is effected by the mobile outage.  Please provide a call back number for the mobile support team to contact the user to assist.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

HealthONE Service Advisory: Missing Zeroes

[As of 11:15 a.m. June 19]

Following is an advisory from Surescripts:

Date: June 18, 2018

Title: Notification of Potential Patient Safety Issue (PPSI) – Missing leading zero (aka, “Naked decimal”) in some Medication History response messages

Details: Surescripts recently determined that some Medication History response messages provided by certain pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacies may be missing leading zeroes in front of decimals in the Drug Description or Drug Strength field which could result in misinterpretation.

For example, instead of:

<DrugDescription>ANAGRELIDE HYDROCHLORIDE 0.5 MG CAPS</DrugDescription>,

it is transmitted as:

<DrugDescription>ANAGRELIDE HYDROCHLORIDE .5 MG CAPS</DrugDescription>.

As noted in our Medication History for Ambulatory Implementation Guide 10.6 (for PBMs) and Medication History Load for Pharmacies Implementation Guide v6.2, and supported by specific recommendations from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and the Joint Commission, Medication History responses should always include a leading zero in front of a decimal for values less than 1 and greater than 0.

Surescripts conducted an analysis of sample data in 2018 and determined this issue is occurring in the Drug Description field of approximately 1.45% of Medication History response messages. This issue may also be occurring in the following fields:

  • Directions
  • Quantity
  • DrugCoded
  • Strength
  • Diagnosis Code

There have been no reported cases of patient harm due to this issue, although due to the risk of an end-user not seeing a decimal point, and the potential for inaccurate doses to be transmitted as a result, this issue represents a Potential Patient Safety Issue (PPSI).

Surescripts is working with the data sources involved to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We will provide an update on the fix as soon as it is available.

Meantime, please direct questions to x4400, Option 1.

UConn Health July 2018 Programs, Events

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for July and early August 2018. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 7/19)

(Deleted 7/17–on hiatus until September)
Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, July 7, noon to 1:30 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor large conference room S2010
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, July 7, 2 to 3 p.m.
, UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Breastfeeding Class
Wednesday, July 11, 6 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor large conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breastfeeding mother as well as how to continue breastfeeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, July 19, 7 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, July 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
, Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.

The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, July 25, noon to 1 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

(Added 7/29)
Whalers Alumni Weekend
Friday, July 27, 7:05 p.m.
and Saturday, July 28, 6:05 p.m., Dunkin Donuts Park, Hartford

UConn Health is sponsoring Hartford Yard Goats Whalers Alumni Weekend. Tickets are $10, buy one get one free, and are available at the UConn Health Auxiliary gift shops. The Auxiliary also is holding a drawing for pair of tickets and a page of Whalers autographs Thursday, July 26, at 3 p.m. in the University Tower gift shop. Call 860.679.2963 for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, July 28, 2 p.m.
, UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, July 30, 5 p.m.
, UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room

The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

(Deleted 7/17–on hiatus until September)
Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday,
Aug. 4, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor large conference room S2010

The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Aug. 4, 2 to 3 p.m.
, UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Breastfeeding Class
Thursday, Aug. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor large conference room S3301
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breastfeeding mother as well as how to continue breastfeeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m.
, UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Aug. 13, 1 to 3 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).

Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6 to 10 p.m.
, UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor large conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m. to noon
, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of every other month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at health.uconn.edu/locations.

Getting Our Patients to the Portal

myHealthONEHave you signed up for myHealthONE, our new patient portal, yet? This is a convenient and empowering tool for our patients to manage their health, likely in ways they might not realize, including:

  • Viewing test results faster and easier than ever.
  • Messaging the office and avoiding telephone hold times.

What better way for our patients to learn about the benefits of myHealthONE than from the providers and staff with whom they come into contact every day? As faculty and staff, the more familiar we are with the portal’s features and advantages, the better equipped we are to share them with our patients. And if you already have signed up, please send your questions and feedback to healthoneupdates@uchc.edu; perhaps you’ll help identify ways to improve myHealthONE and make it more useful for everyone. When our patients use myHealthONE, we all win!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k2GQrXwJvA&list=PL6h0A_5kXIiR2BrSFC2uz1R5kGdavO_mx

This was first reported in the June 14 Pulse. Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/HealthONE, and on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.

Looking at Us: Peter Canning, EMS Coordinator

If you’ve had any interaction with emergency medical services or the emergency department, chances are you’ve met Peter Canning. Peter is a registered nurse, a paramedic, and the EMS coordinator for UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Last month the Connecticut Department of Public Health presented Peter with the Public Health Commissioner’s Award in recognition of his impact on pre-hospital care, his leadership, and his promotion of the EMS system. Peter joined UConn Health in 2008 and his position is part time. He lives in West Hartford with his wife and three daughters.

What is an EMS coordinator?

I provide EMS education and quality assurance. My job is to see that area ambulance services bring patients to our hospital and provide them with great care, and that as a hospital, we treat EMS as a valued partner.

Peter Canning, Paramedic, R.N., EMS Coordinator at UConn Health.

Peter Canning

Favorite musician:
Bruce Springsteen

Favorite literary work:
Homer’s The Odyssey

Favorite vacation spot:
Misquamicut, Rhode Island

Favorite delicacy:
Ackee and saltfish with breadfruit (My wife is Jamaican.)

Favorite sports team:
Boston Red Sox

What are the most challenging/rewarding aspects of your job?

Care for many of our patients begins when EMS arrives on scene of a 911 call. When someone is having a heart attack or stroke, EMS can diagnose the problem and provide us with advance alerts that speed the life-saving interventions such as cardiac catheterization and thrombectomy that UConn JDH provides. Every month in our EMS newsletter we highlight these cases where our care partnership has made a difference in our patient’s lives.

What’s something a lot of us don’t realize about EMS?

People are often unaware of the high degree of training and the advanced capabilities of paramedics. They are highly trained professionals who can administer more than 30 different emergency medications and perform skills such as endotracheal intubation, surgical airway and needle decompression. They are also skilled in crisis intervention as nearly every day they deal with people in emotional and psychiatric distress.

How has EMS/emergency medicine evolved since the start of your career?

When I began in EMS in 1989, we were known as ambulance drivers who often had to call the hospital for permission to give medicine. Today, we are valued partners who do most all of our work on standing orders.

Additionally, EMS recognizes UConn John Dempsey as a peer to the two large Hartford hospitals when it comes to our ability to treat critical medical patients. That has not always been the case prior to the expansion of our emergency department.

What was your reaction to being honored with the Public Health Commissioner’s Award?

You never do the work with the intention of winning an award, but to be recognized for almost thirty years of work to improve prehospital care in the state was gratifying. I am also a big fan of Commissioner Pino’s commitment to public health so it was special to get the award from him.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I am still a full-time paramedic in Hartford. I have published two nonfiction books and two novels about EMS. I love playing sports with my daughters and swimming competitively in US Masters meets.

HealthONE and Research

In preparation for go-live, we identified 29 clinical trials to be built in to HealthONE. As of early June, we’ve nearly doubled that goal, with 57 already built. What does HealthONE have to do with UConn Health’s research mission?

  • It enables streamlined billing for research trials. Previously there was no widely-used/established method to electronically track what expenses should be billed to the study vs. those that should be filed under the patient’s insurance. This efficiency allows for streamlined generation of revenue!
  • It helps study coordinators track patient status and progress within the trial electronically.
  • It saves time by replacing manual tracking in spreadsheets with a single click.
  • It can generate research statements electronically allowing for easier and quicker payment of ancillary research charges.

HealthONE is indicated for any/all studies that have an order to place in the system or involve an investigational agent, drug or device.


This was first reported in the June 12 HealthONE update. Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/HealthONE, and on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.