Tweet me!Rouge Valley Health System recently selected Versus Technology, Inc.'s Real-time Locating System (RTLS) to advance efficiency and safety within the new Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering emergency department (ED). Though Versus has been providing location-based clinical workflow automation to hospitals and clinics for years, the solution at Ajax and Pickering will be the first of its kind to support Ministry of Health and Long-term Care performance goals. This is especially important to RVHS as Ajax/Pickering undergoes an expansion and expects ED patient volume to surge to 60,000 annual visits.
In 2008, RVHS was one of 23 hospitals selected by the Ontario government to focus on reducing ED wait times. "Efficient patient flow is evidenced to have a positive impact on safety, satisfaction and revenue," explains Darren Micallef, Consultant, HC4Site. "The provincial target wait times are very achievable at 8 hours for complex conditions and 4 hours for minor conditions, but hospitals struggle with identifying roadblocks. Bringing in an expert at patient flow, like Versus, is key to ensuring that the provincial targets are not only achieved, but achieved in a manner that is timely, efficient, intuitive for staff and that complements Rouge Valley's unique processes."
The Versus RTLS solution will be deployed in phases. The first phase will include a Dashboard, with key performance indicators (KPIs) like 'overall length of stay' and 'bed assignment to room' times displayed in real-time. A centrally-located electronic whiteboard (also available at individual workstations) will convey patient location and relevant patient information, like assigned caregivers.
A notable change from 'normal' operations, physicians and nurses will be assigned to patients automatically based on their interactions with patients. This saves valuable time and enhances communication, while eliminating the burden of documentation for staff. RVHS is the first hospital in Ontario to deploy an automated patient tracking system to help track patient milestones and improve patient flow.
Another key communication feature is Versus Staff Assist, which gives staff the ability to signal for assistance by pressing a button on their locator badge. Particularly important to staff in the Mental Health Services areas of Ajax/Pickering, fellow staff members will be alerted to the call for assistance and the caregiver's location, allowing an immediate, directed response.
In its second phase, the Versus solution will integrate to and automate Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering's chosen Emergency Department Information System (EDIS). Versus was selected for its willingness to integrate with any EDIS. Several other system providers were not open to or experienced in EDIS integration. Versus, however, is an experienced integrator and will allow RVHS to reap immediate benefits of real-time patient flow.
RVHS is also considering expanding the Versus solution to its other community hospital, Rouge Valley Centenary, in east Toronto, possibly starting with Staff Assist in the Mental Health Services areas. "Rouge Valley needed an affordable, easy to use, easy to expand and solvent solution to help achieve that balance between government regulation and operating within their means," says Paul Timmerman, Versus' VP of Sales and Marketing. "Versus provides that balance, and does so in a way that ensures safety and satisfaction for patients and staff."
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