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In an effort to map out the timing, sequence and resources necessary for BWH’s future information infrastructure, Information Systems (IS) recently completed a three-month planning process and has formulated a three-year strategic plan. The plan establishes priorities to both maintain and enhance the complex computer infrastructure at BWH.
“It was important for us to pair an IS plan with institutional priorities resulting in a road map to guide information systems initiatives,” said Sue Schade, chief information officer at BWH.
To obtain the appropriate feedback on key initiatives throughout the hospital, IS formed three workgroups--clinical, revenue cycle, and Brigham and Women’s/Faulkner Hospitals integration—comprised of physicians and senior management. Input was also obtained from the Brigham and Women’s Physician Organization (BWPO), Faulkner and DFCI.
Each workgroup identified top initiatives in their respective areas over the next three years. All workgroups then came together to understand the overlap between the initiatives and ultimately agree upon top initiatives overall.
The highest priorities include:
According to Schade, the next steps include quantifying these initiatives, completing a cost-benefit analysis and determining their sequence.
A Partners-wide upgrade to Windows 2000 and BICS modernization at BWH are two major infrastructure projects that are associated with the initiatives. Plans are underway for both projects, which will take place in phases over the next two to three years.
“Our department will work aggressively to migrate BICS’ applications to a modern software environment with minimal disruption for our users,” said Schade. “We will create a more current version of BICS, while still preserving its robust functions that are so vital to the operation of BWH.”
BICS currently hosts information for nearly 2,000,000 patients, to which 100,000 are added annually. In addition, 960 orders are written per hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., which translates into one order every four seconds.
Look for updates on the implementation of these IS projects in future issue of BWH Bulletin.