The One Person One Record Clinical Information System (OPOR-CIS) represents the most significant, transformative change to healthcare delivery ever experienced in our province.
One of the many important aspects in the development of the CIS is that, while following the Cerner Canadian Reference Model as a guide, the new system is being designed by Nova Scotians, for Nova Scotians.
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) participate in Design Workshops where they lend their expertise to making design decisions for the new OPOR-CIS. There is a mix of clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers who have given their time to ensure the system meets the needs of physicians, providers, employees, and patients across the province.
We are excited to continue our new series featuring interviews with some of the hundreds of SMEs from different care areas and work streams.
Meet Dr. Angela Giacomantonio, IWK Health
Q. How long have you worked with IWK Health and what is your current role?
A. I have been at the IWK since March 2019; I am a Family Physician who provides maternal and newborn care. I also participate in the Primary Maternity Care Group to support patients and staff at the IWK. I hold an advisory role as the Physician Co-Lead for the Family and Newborn Care Unit, and I am a member of the Family Medicine Executive.
Q. How have you been involved with OPOR?
A. I am involved in OPOR as a Subject Matter Expert, from the lens of a Family Physician, in the Women’s Health group.
Q. What have you enjoyed most about participating in the development of the OPOR-CIS?
A. I’ve most enjoyed being able to advocate and work with amazing physician advocates from across the province to build a functional and useful tool for providing patient care.
Q. How do you think the design session process contributes to ensuring the OPOR-CIS meets the needs of clinicians and physicians in Nova Scotia?
A. The design session process allows the actual end users of OPOR to consider the functionality of the product with how medical care is actually delivered across the province. When a planned process doesn’t suit the needs of the users, everyone has the chance to speak up and advocate for functionality, simplicity, and streamlined processes to make this tool a meaningful, value-added change.
Q. What do you think the biggest impacts will be for employees, physicians, and patients with the implementation of the OPOR-CIS, and what are you most excited about with the launch of this clinical transformation?
A. Like any technology, there will be a big learning curve and adjustment period for everyone involved. This may take time and be stressful, change can be like that, but if that change improves patient access, patient care, and patient outcomes, it will be worth it.
What I think I’m most excited about is the ability to access a patient’s entire medical chart anywhere in the province, so I can care for patients and make clinical decisions with access to the best information.
Thank you to Dr. Giacomantonio, and to all those dedicating their time to the development and implementation of OPOR. To learn more about OPOR, including how you can get involved, visit opor.nshealth.ca
One Person One Record (OPOR) is a multi-year program designed to transform the way we use and share health information in Nova Scotia. It’s a collaboration between Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health, and the Province of Nova Scotia. OPOR will enable a digitally supported, patient-centered healthcare transformation in Nova Scotia. The ultimate outcome is for patients and providers to have seamless access to the information and care processes they need, no matter where care is given or received
