Atlanta, April 2, 2009
For oncology programs struggling to make ends meet, the ability to
do more with less is appealing. The pressure to gain
efficiencies comes from two converging market forces: the
recessionary economy that is straining the traditionally
recession-proof healthcare industry, and the national push to
implement electronic medical records (EMRs).
The subject of EMRs is gaining new prominence with the inclusion
of $19 billion in Congress’s economic stimulus package as well
as the impending 2014 deadline for having an electronic health
record for every American, which was set by the federal
government five years ago.
“Oncology departments using Impac Software often don’t fully
appreciate how its features can streamline processes and reduce
workload because they are comprised of so many different
physician specialists and systems,” says Terry Oakes, vice
president, STRATEGIQ Services for Elekta.
As a result, Elekta formed STRATEGIQ Services, a professional
services group, to assist clients in obtaining additional value
from their oncology programs. By evaluating and restructuring
administrative and clinical processes while maximizing the usage
of functionality available in Impac’s comprehensive EMR
software, MOSAIQ, oncology departments are finding benefits that
not only create savings but also increase staff and patient
satisfaction.
“We found that many oncology departments were only using the
software for its basic ability to schedule, verify patient
treatments, and print out paper charts,” Oakes says. “I like to
say that STRATEGIQ Services ‘brings the software to life’ by
helping our clients realize efficiencies for their unique
challenges. We work with our clients to revise their current
processes and use of the software. We help them identify and
develop new processes, eliminate their dependence on paper and
gain the efficiencies of an electronic medical record system
while improving the quality of their patient care.”
STRATEGIQ Services recently completed an engagement at Lake
Regional Health System in Osage Beach, MO to help the
comprehensive oncology department minimize the use of paper
through more efficient use of their Impac Software. Marcy
Maxwell, Director of Oncology Services, says that “STRATEGIQ
Services really forced us to think step by step through our
processes. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to clearly
define roles and get everyone on the same page.
“From this process we were able to lay the groundwork for a more
standardized, efficient system, which we desperately needed,”
she continues. “The deliverables provided a logical framework
and timeline for implementation. It allowed every member of the
healthcare team with information regarding what to expect and
when for each step of the implementation process.”
Although many benefits are possible, Maxwell said they will
immediately benefit from the efficiencies identified in
day-to-day activities, standardization of documentation in
medical and radiation oncology and instant availability of
patient information.
For Impac oncology software users, the ability to take advantage
of the software’s inherent EMR capabilities offers numerous
benefits. “STRATEGIQ is helping radiation and medical oncology
departments determine how they can immediately profit by more
fully utilizing the software’s capabilities,” says Oakes. “An
additional benefit of a STRATEGIQ engagement is that by
streamlining processes, a cancer center can gain a competitive
advantage in their marketplace.”
Note: This is the third in a three-part series on how hospitals
are exploring financing alternatives and/or leveraging current
assets to maintain a competitive edge. For the complete series,
visit Elekta.com or contact
financing@elekta.com.
About Elekta
Elekta
is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and
clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The
company develops sophisticated state of the art tools and
treatment planning systems for radiation therapy and
radiosurgery, as well as workflow enhancing software systems
across the spectrum of cancer care. Stretching the boundaries of
science and technology, providing intelligent and
resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to both
healthcare providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve,
prolong and even save patient lives, making the future possible
today. Today, Elekta solutions in oncology and neurosurgery are
used in over 5,000 hospitals globally, and every day more than
100,000 patients receive diagnosis, treatment or follow-up with
the help of a solution from the Elekta Group. Elekta employs
around 2,500 employees globally. The corporate headquarter is
located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on the
Nordic Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. For more information
about Elekta, please visit
www.elekta.com. |
|
Media Inquiries:
Michelle Lee
PR and Advertising Manager
Tel: +1 770-670-2447
michelle.lee@elekta.com
Global Marketing inquiries:
Peter Ejemyr
Group VP,
Corporate Communications, Tel: +46 733 611 000
peter.ejemyr@elekta.com
Investor inquiries:
Lena Schattauer,
Investor Relations,
Elekta AB
Tel: +46 8 587 257 22, +46 70 595 51 00,
lena.schattauer@elekta.com
Link Disclaimer
|
