For Dr. Thiago Appoloni, the integration of Niagara Health’s new Hospital Information System (HIS) means better collaboration and greater efficiency, enhancing overall care delivery.
Every day we encounter and adapt to new technologies – whether it’s the latest social media platforms or evolving smart devices.
It’s a process that demands patience and grace, but with time, we come to master these innovations.
Dr. Thiago Appoloni, critical care physician and anesthesiologist at Niagara Health, sees the transition to a new Hospital Information System (HIS) in the same light.
“Just like learning new technologies in our personal lives, integrating the new HIS into our practice might be a learning curve, but we’re going to get it,” he says.
Dr. Appoloni knows firsthand what it takes to implement a new HIS. Before joining Niagara Health, the physician worked alongside Dr. Ben Tam, Niagara Health’s digital strategy physician lead, at St. Joe’s in Hamilton just as the hospital prepared to integrate their new system.
His familiarity with integrating advanced systems into clinical settings has made him a key player in this transition at Niagara Health and he’s ready to leverage the new HIS to enhance both patient outcomes and hospital workflows.
Q: How will the launch of a new HIS impact your daily work as an anesthesiologist?
A: The new system is designed to streamline workflows, enhance data accessibility and improve communication between departments. For anesthesiologists, having real-time access to comprehensive patient data will significantly enhance our ability to make informed decisions quickly and provide us with a more fulsome picture of our patient. Patient care is complex in nature, the more pieces you have, the better care we can provide.
Q: What specific features of the new HIS are you most excited about?
A: I’m looking forward to the streamlined documentation process and reduced paperwork. Eliminating the task of trying to decipher handwritten documents will make it easier to input and access information, allowing us to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. These improvements will make our daily routines more efficient and enjoyable, ultimately enhancing our overall job satisfaction.
Q: How will the new system improve patient safety and care in the operating room?
A: Improving patient safety is at the core of this system. By providing instant access to patient history, allergies and previous anesthetic reactions, we can tailor our approaches more precisely. The new system also allows for the integration of real-time monitoring data, which will allow us to track vital signs, mechanical ventilation data and other critical parameters more accurately, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and more time focused on providing patient care.
Q: How will the new HIS enhance collaboration between anesthesiologists and other medical professionals?
A: The new system, which has been designed and built specifically for the needs of the Niagara region, will significantly improve how we collaborate with other medical teams. With seamless access to patient records and integrated communication tools, it will foster a more connected and cohesive environment. This means the anesthesia team, surgeons, nurses and other specialists will work together more efficiently, ensuring the best possible care for our patients.
Q: How will the new system positively impact your interaction with patients?
A: The new system will streamline our workflow, allowing us to spend more quality time with patients. With quicker access to detailed patient information, we can communicate more effectively, address concerns more promptly and provide more personalized care.
