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Paperless Pioneers
Over 10 years ago the University of Miami Sylvester
Comprehensive Cancer Center decided to become a pioneer of
technology and create a totally paperless radiation therapy
department. Not surprisingly, the center achieved its goal.
Silvia Prieto, director of radiation oncology at the
UM/Sylvester commented, “The expense to manage patient charts
can not be underestimated; however, by implementing the IMPAC
system we have not only saved time but we have also saved on
paper and storage fees and eliminated the need for one full-time
employee We no longer have to search for patient records.”
Enhanced Communication
The shift to IMPAC’s EMR eliminated the need for paper charts
and created instant availability and easy access to patient
records for physicians, as well as technical and clerical staff.
Charts and records are available the instant they are requested
and are simultaneously accessible to multiple users. As an
administrator, Prieto also appreciates the benefits of the
system’s electronic charge capture feature, which not only
reduces paper work but also reduces the chance of transcription
errors, coding inconsistencies, and lost charges. The IMPAC
system has also greatly enhanced communication among the
clinical staff. According to Chris Lugtens, chief therapist in
the radiation oncology department, “The IMPAC quality check list
has become an essential to-do list on the patient chart, so that
dosimetry, physics and other staff members immediately know what
to do in order to expedite treatment, saving time and improving
the quality of care for the patient.”
Continuing to Pave the Way
From initial diagnosis and staging through planning, treatment
and subsequent follow-up, the IMPAC EMR helps the entire staff
accurately record, efficiently process, and easily use critical
information throughout each patient’s course of care.
UM/Sylvester continues to pave the way with new technology by
working with IMPAC, sharing ideas and making suggestions for
improvement. In Prieto’s opinion, “The versatility of the IMPAC
software is one of its greatest assets. It is rare to find a
product that is universally appreciated by all of the diverse
staff required to deliver quality care to cancer patients.”
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University of Miami's Sylvester Cancer Center
Cindy Valenchis and Ulrich Ramos, Therapists at the
University of Miami train new staff, William Amestoy and
Irene Monteroso to treat patients using IMPAC. |
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