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. Abraham (Rami) Rudnick, Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Central Zone
Q. How long have you worked with Nova Scotia Health and what is your current role?
A. I have worked with Nova Scotia Health since October 2018. I am a Clinical Psychiatrist and the Clinical Director of the Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic treating military members and Veterans, as well as RCMP members and retirees, who have mental health challenges related to their military or RCMP service. I am also a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Bioethics of the Faculty of Medicine and in the School of Occupational Therapy of the Faculty of Health at Dalhousie University.
Q. How have you been involved with OPOR?
A. I have been involved with OPOR since 2023 as a Subject Matter Expert and a leader for adult psychiatry. I have been contributing to OPOR in relation to tailoring and validating OPOR for mental health and addiction services. I have also contributed using my research experience, such as in relation to evaluation and outcome measurement.
Q. What have you enjoyed most about participating in the development of the OPOR-CIS?
A. I have most enjoyed the attention to details by all involved with the OPOR-CIS, including consulting with other jurisdictions in Canada who have experience with Oracle Health’s Electronic Health Record (EHR).
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 process has developed iteratively with physicians and other clinicians, facilitating a customized approach to the OPOR-CIS as much as possible within resource constraints.
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. The biggest impacts of the implementation of the OPOR-CIS for everyone who delivers and receives healthcare are expected to be a more efficient and safer health record related process and product. This should allow more health literacy and engagement of service users (patients and others) in their own healthcare, as well as enhanced quality and quantity of health services.
I am particularly excited about the launch of this clinical transformation in relation to the opportunity for healthcare analytics, which is planned as part of this change. This will eventually provide clearer prediction of healthcare outcomes, which will facilitate more individualized and effective healthcare from early on.
Thank you to Dr. Rudnick, 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.
