Speaker
Description
Background
Health information technology is a driver improving care quality and efficiency (Chaudhry et al., 2006). In 2023, Southlake Health began implementing RNAO BPG Adopting eHealth Solutions, focusing on Computerized Provider Order Management (CPOM).
Purpose
To transition from hybrid order management to fully integrated, standardized electronic order management processes across inpatient and select ambulatory units.
Methods
A large-scale approach ensured success, including:
•Formal governance structures for executive oversight
•Interprofessional project team and working groups leading implementation
•Provider Champions supporting engagement, communication and decision making
•Clinical workflow transformation, including current and future-state mapping to inform workflows, education, and implementation planning
•Change management strategies including stakeholder impact and readiness assessments for risk mitigation
•Significant IT infrastructure enhancements (e.g., network upgrades, handheld devices) supporting electronic workflows
•Comprehensive education plans training more than 3000 staff from 35 departments over two months
Results
CPOM was implemented October 2025, enabling full transition to electronic ordering. Go-live supports included 24-hour Command Centre, at-the-elbow support, daily newsletter highlighting changes, additional training, and leadership rounding.
Post-implementation, 92% of 1490 IT tickets were resolved, and 52% of 98 optimization initiatives completed, including EHR enhancements and workflow refinements. Governance structures were operationalized integrating electronic build into order set development for sustainability.
Lessons Learned
Key lessons include the importance of sustained multidisciplinary engagement in workflow validation and testing. Stakeholders were engaged, informing workflows and decision making; however, missed opportunities (e.g. workflow testing) became apparent after go-live.
Workflow-specific training is critical; our experience has shown that functionality-focused education alone is insufficient. Ongoing engagement and optimization support adoption and sustainability.
References
Chaudhry, B., Wang, J., Wu, S., Maglione, M., Mojica, W., Roth, E., Morton, S. C., & Shekelle, P. G. (2006). Systematic review: Impact of health information technology on quality, efficiency, and costs of medical care. Annals of Internal Medicine, 144(10), 742-752.
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is your abstract related to?
Adopting eHealth Solutions: Implementation Strategies
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Shaziya Malam MRT(T), MHS, Professional Practice Lead
Irene Ngu, MN, RN, Manager Integrated Practice
| Organization Name | Southlake Health |
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