Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Lui LMY (1), Ku PS (1), Chan JKY (1), Pang JYW (1), Cheung NT (1), Chan CYN (2), Tsang YSC (2), Chan SSC (1), Lam JCK (1), Hui HL (1), Cai K (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Information Technology and Health Informatics Division, Hospital Authority Head Office (2) Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
Historically, the field of Ophthalmology has faced formidable obstacles when attempting to harness advanced data analytics. The development of a comprehensive, generic closed-loop electronic documentation system for Ophthalmology aims to address the primary challenge concerning multifaceted workflows across various ophthalmic centers, integrate with diverse examination machinery standards, and align with multiple medical disciplines.
Objectives :
The goal is to design and implement a comprehensive, generic closed-loop electronic documentation system to bolster Ophthalmology services across 12 eye centers within the Hospital Authority.
Methodology :
Background: HI and IT teams initiated a series of comprehensive workflow studies across multiple hospitals, in order to develop a system that would truly meet the complex needs of Ophthalmology services. These studies were meticulously designed to capture the nuanced processes inherent to various eye centers, ensuring that the system would be versatile and robust.
Established User Group: To gather diverse perspectives and foster collaborative problem-solving, the team established a user group comprised of a cross-section of stakeholders, including ophthalmologists, nurses, optometrists and orthoptists. This group has met regularly to discuss, debate, and ultimately reach a consensus on the intricate requirements of the system. The results of such discussions are converted into valuable enhancements to optimize the overall system.
The Initial Pilot with Ongoing Evaluation: The team recognize the importance of iterative development and real-world testing, which has led us to partner with the Prince of Wales Hospital eye center for the initial pilot. This collaboration is instrumental in enabling us to evaluate the system's functionality in an actual clinical setting and to make iterative enhancements. By engaging in this continuous cycle of feedback and refinement, the team ensure the electronic system is not only functional but also adaptable to the diverse workflows of all eye centers within the Hospital Authority.
Result & Outcome :
Results: Since its pilot launch at PWH Eye Center on 31 July 2023, the system has generated nearly 8,000 electronic records in just three months, which has resulted in a marked decrease in paper-based workflows. It is utilized by various disciplines within the eye center to document various relevant examination results. Ophthalmologists can review results, interpret eye images, sketch diagrams, and note progress within a single interface. Nurses also use the system to verify ophthalmologist prescriptions and book corresponding investigations, next appointments for patients. This design has notably improved operational efficiency and paved the way for sophisticated data analytics in Ophthalmology. Further deployment is scheduled for AHNH, HKEH, and TMH by February 2024, with expansion to the remaining HA hospital eye centers by the end of 2024.
Conclusion: The deployment of this generic closed-loop electronic documentation system has underscored a pivotal point: the crux of designing and developing such an intricate, universal system lies in active user engagement. The invaluable insights gained from multiple on-site visits and comprehensive workflow studies have been instrumental in tailoring the system to meet the actual needs of the end-users. The successful pilot of the system at the PWH Eye Center is a testament to the efficacy of this user-centric approach, which has not only streamlined the workflows of frontline staff but also laid a solid foundation for leveraging advanced data analytics in the field of Ophthalmology. The landscape of healthcare industry technology is continually evolving; the team is confident in embracing future challenges by implementing a collaborative approach. It will continue to facilitate improvements in patient care and operational efficiency across the entire spectrum of Ophthalmology services.
