A call for user group participants
Posted 29 September 2011
One of the many ways patients and caregivers will benefit from the new Lifehouse at RPA facility will be state-of-the-art Information Communications and Technology (ICT) services and support.
Current improvements to the patient experience under evaluation and development include a patient portal which will comprise online pre-admission forms, a bill payment facility, the ability to request an appointment and reschedule a visit, and access to pathology and medical imaging results. Patients will also be able to chat live to a Care Co-ordinator. Entry to Lifehouse will be made simple and stress free by a self-service check-in using a Lifehouse Smart card, which will provide access to the car park and can also contain appointment details, allergies and other information the patient would find valuable. Patients will also have the choice to receive appointment reminders direct to their mobile phone by SMS.
In addition, ICT plans include providing each bed / chair at Lifehouse with an integrated entertainment and communication system which will not only provide free-to-air TV, but also patient education material, an email facility, access to the internet and the ability to order meals and drinks for themselves and carers. The treating doctors and nurses will be able to use the same device to access patients’ medical records and discuss results at the bedside.
Chief Information Officer at Lifehouse, Anne-Marie Hadley, said that one of the key components in developing patient centred ICT services will be gathering feedback from current patients and care givers.
“We are asking ex patients and carers to register if they would like to participate in important user groups either in person or online. Through shared information and valuable feedback we will be able to develop truly effective improvements in patient satisfaction and safety as well as empower patients to make informed decisions,” Anne-Marie said.
“In recent years the Sydney Cancer Centre and Lifehouse have run several successful user groups, consulting specialists and end users, which have successfully enhanced the development of areas such as security and car parking facilities, biomedical and mechanical engineering, cleaning, housekeeping and catering.
“Our ICT focus includes the development of an electronic medical record, facilitation of evidence-based medicine, improving the patient journey (and the impact of IT consumerism), supporting research and education, and continuity of care and engagement with clinical partners such as GPs and referring specialists. Our aim is to create a healing and holistic healthcare delivery environment so that the patient experience is supported through a co-ordinated, well planned and innovative IT network.”
Patients and care givers who would like to participate should contact Lifehouse on (02) 9515 2000 to register their interest or email Anne-Marie at ahadley@lifehouserpa.org.au
