Background: Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have improved information access and care continuity. Despite the benefits of EHRs, Health Canada acknowledges the difficulties healthcare clinicians face in sharing or accessing information due to a lack of EHR interoperability. The lack of interoperability across settings can lead to unnecessary duplication of diagnostic testing, longer wait times, and extended hospital stays. Integrating Health Information Exchange (HIE) into EHRs improves interoperability as it allows seamless information sharing between healthcare providers and settings, creating a comprehensive picture of a patient's health history through the healthcare system. The Ontario eHub HIE was launched to ensure seamless information transfer among healthcare providers by compiling patient data in a repository that can be queried into existing EHRs. Emergency departments rely heavily on access to comprehensive data; therefore, it is important to evaluate the nursing and physician experiences of HIE. This study aims to evaluate the Ontario eHub's usability, efficiency, and impact on workflow for LHSC emergency department (ED) nurses and physicians approximately one year after implementation.
Methods: This study will adopt the interpretive description (ID) methodology and employ purposive sampling to recruit ED nurses and physicians. Grounded in the UTAUT model, the study examines how the various concepts within UTAUT influence HIE utilization in ED. Data collection will be through one-on-one audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis will be utilized to analyze the participant data, which aligns with ID methodology.
Significance: Findings from this study can highlight how the Ontario eHUB HIE integrates into the workflows of ED nurses and physicians, identifying areas for optimization. It can also inform future HIE expansions to other healthcare settings, as it is currently limited to long-term care and acute care centres.
Presented by:
Patricia Fueata, Western University
Patricia Fueta is a visionary healthcare leader with a focus on digital health and a strong commitment to enhancing health information technology services. She brings over five years of experience in clinical information technology systems, having started her career at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) as a Registered Nurse. Her clinical background provides her with a unique perspective that informs her projects, ensuring that technology solutions are practical and aligned with the needs of healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Patricia’s dedication to teamwork and a curious mindset have been pivotal in her success and in advancing the integration of technology within healthcare settings. Currently, she is furthering her expertise by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a digital health focus at Western University. This academic pursuit underscores her commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the field of health information technology.
Earn One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Content from the webinar aligns with Core Health Informatics Topics: The Canadian Healthcare System, Information Technology, Analysis and Evaluation
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