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'Fast, reliable, accountable': Endoscopy letters now paperless

Data scientist David Painter, Health Information Innovation Lead Cameron Don, Director of Endoscopy Dr Sneha John and Senior Director, Health Information, Brett Loccisano.

Gold Coast Health has moved to 100% paper-free transfer of care for endoscopies.

The new system will eliminate 15,000 paper letters from our Gastroenterology unit each year by sending them through secure web transfer direct to patients’ General Practitioners.

The digital transfer of the letters is fast, reliable and accountable. Reports are now sent within one day of the procedure, where previously it took more than seven days.

This new system is expected to save more than 250 hours of staff time each year.

Director of Endoscopy, Dr Sneha John, said digitised communication benefits both patients and the health system.

“It’s vital to have extremely good communication of an endoscopy outcome to both the patient and the primary care referrer,” Dr John said.
 
“An endoscopy report is our version of a discharge summary. It contains the procedural report but also specific guidance to the patient and referrer on the management plan.”
 
Gastroenterology and respiratory endoscopic procedures performed at Gold Coast Health were included in the project. Patients will still receive a physical copy of the letter.

This project was delivered through a collaboration between our Health Information and Data Operations teams and the Gastroenterology Service.
 
Senior Director of Health Information, Brett Loccisano, highlighted the project as an example of how emerging technologies can be harnessed to optimise our data assets and drive positive outcomes within our health service.

“This project is a great example of how digital transformation is freeing up staff time and improving communication within the health service and with our external stakeholders,” he said.

“This electronic procedure offers increased reliability, accountability and flexibility compared to conventional mail-based approaches and ultimately improves the experience for our patients.”

“The team deserves congratulations for proving this concept and implementing it into everyday operation at our health service.”

 


Last updated 25 Oct 2024