Dear Colleagues,
I’m writing to follow up on discussions that have taken place at NRGH, and with the Ministry of Health and Island Health Board, regarding concerns raised by Nanaimo physicians about the Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) tool set.
The Nanaimo Medical Staff Association Executive has requested that the CPOE tools be suspended while improvements are made. An Island Health Board meeting was held yesterday to discuss the path forward. The Board and Executive take the concerns raised by the Medical Staff Association seriously, and recognize the need to have the commitment and confidence of the physician community in using advanced EHR tools such as CPOE. We will engage with NRGH physicians and staff on a plan to start taking steps to cease use of the CPOE tools and associated processes. Any plan will be implemented in a safe and thoughtful way with patient care and safety as the focus.
Meetings with NRGH medical and clinical leaders will be scheduled for early next week to begin this work. In addition, small group meetings with physicians and direct care staff will be held to ensure there is shared understanding of the impacts of these changes and to jointly chart our way forward. Island Health remains committed to the Revalidation process, and understands that adjustments to the schedule may be required. The first Revalidation process event will continue as planned on Monday, February 20th.
The Board and Executive acknowledge the incredible work, dedication and progress that has been made over the past 10 months in implementing the advanced EHR tools. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders in moving forward in our efforts to provide the highest level of quality care to our patients.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Brendan Carr