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 OPOR-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 during which 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 series of interviews featuring some of the hundreds of SMEs from different care areas and work streams.
Meet Dr. Sabina Abidi, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, IWK Health
Q. How long have you worked with IWK Health and what is your current role?
A. I have been with IWK Health as faculty since 2007. I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and my expertise is in early onset schizophrenia and psychotic spectrum disorders. I am also the Physician Co-Lead for Ambulatory Services with the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program, and the Associate Chief of the Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Q. How have you been involved with OPOR?
A. I have been involved as a Subject Matter Expert since fall 2023, representing child and adolescent psychiatry at the IWK and Nova Scotia Health provincially. However, it’s important to note that the development of OPOR takes a team; I work with an amazing Mental Health and Addictions team focused on OPOR development for Mental Health and Addictions services.
While Mental Health and Addictions runs similarly in many ways to other outpatient and inpatient services, it can be quite different in terms of how clinicians function in their work. As a team, we are all working in different aspects of OPOR development, such as clinical work and documentation, data reporting and booking. Fortunately, we work collaboratively to ensure a standard approach to care delivery that aligns with our processes.
Q. What have you enjoyed most about participating in the development of the OPOR-CIS?
A. I love working within health systems and trying to ensure they are as efficient and lean as possible. I am also interested in change management and how we go about implementing change. I think these are key aspects to the development of OPOR and implementing a system across the province that ensures we work towards providing consistent standards of care.
While this is an exciting adventure, it has not been without its difficulties, which makes sense - that is the nature of change. I like to lean into that challenge with the team. Having the opportunity to work together to ensure that we're all reaching the outcomes we aspire towards for us as clinicians and our clients and families is exciting.
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. Like many other areas, we have a specific OPOR team designated for the Mental Health and Addictions Program, working with the same people during each session. It’s a lot of hard work, as there are many components involved. The OPOR-CIS is going to make our work so much more efficient and, most importantly, better for our patients and families.
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. For those of us who are providers, the idea that we will be able to complete documentation and administration more efficiently is exciting, as it allows us to focus on providing excellent patient care.
I think the biggest impact will be seen when we're all communicating together with an element of transparency with each other – not only as healthcare providers, but with our patients as well; from Sydney to Yarmouth, which is what our Nova Scotian families deserve.
Thank you to Dr. Abidi, 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 (IWK), 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.
