Owatonna Hospital enhances patient care with a click of the mouse
OWATONNA, Minn. 10/12/2009--At Owatonna Hospital, part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, the traditional file folder bulging with patient information is being replaced with a new electronic medical record (EMR) system that will enhance the way in which providers deliver patient care.
Starting Friday, Oct. 16 when they begin accepting patients at the new hospital, this system will allow patients to have one medical record that is accessible to caregivers at all Allina Hospitals & Clinics locations. Owatonna Clinic-Mayo Health System providers will also have access to Allina’s electronic medical record as well.
Having one system reduces the number of times patients need to repeat answers to questions like "Are you allergic to any medications?" Also, information from hospital stays or clinic appointments at other Allina facilities is immediately available to caregivers, which will help improve the safety and efficiency of the care patients receive.
"Our new electronic medical record system truly enables us to provide higher quality patient care," says Dave Albrecht, president, Owatonna Hospital. "One of the greatest advantages is that all of our providers can easily access patients' test results, procedures and diagnoses, regardless of which Allina facility delivered their care. The electronic medical record is the way of the future and something our patients deserve."
"Since the electronic medical record provides a more complete picture of a patient's health, we’re able to make better recommendations about a patient's medical care," says Patty Angelucci, director of patient care, Owatonna Hospital.
As always, the privacy of patients' medical information is strictly protected and remains secure and confidential. Security measures are in place to monitor that only authorized personnel access patient information.
"This is an exciting time for patients and staff," said Albrecht. "Because of the commitment Allina and Owatonna Hospital staff, as well as physicians who practice in our hospital, have given to implementing the electronic medical record, the quality and safety of care in Owatonna has taken a great step forward. Having a tool that ties all that information together is a tremendous asset for patients, care providers and the communities we serve."
Advantages of the electronic medical record
- Timely access to medical information. With a few clicks of the mouse, patients' complete Allina medical history can be viewed instantly by authorized caregivers - providing immediate, secure and easy access to patients' information.
- One source of patient information. If a patient has been treated at the hospital and is now at another Allina facility, documentation from their hospital stay is readily available.
- Immediate safety checks. The system automatically cross-checks any new prescriptions a provider is considering to ensure there are no negative interactions with the patient's allergies or current medications.
- One-time collection of information. Patients only need to provide their medical information once. After that, all they need to do is verify that the information is up-to-date.
- Advanced security. The system is equipped with security measures to protect patients' information, including a feature that monitors who has accessed each record.
About Owatonna Hospital
Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Owatonna Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Steele County. Owatonna Hospital provides a full range of health care services including a birth center, emergency care, surgery and rehabilitation. Allina has built a replacement hospital in Owatonna, off Interstate 35. # # #
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