Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is reinforcing its technological leadership in the Central East region of Ontario after being recognized in December for exceptional organizational performance through the use of advanced electronic medical records. SHN is now the only community-based teaching hospital in Toronto and joins a small exclusive group of Ontario hospitals using the Epic clinical system to reach Stage 6 or higher in the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM).
EMRAM is a highly regarded system that measures how well a hospital uses electronic medical records. The eight-stage model (Stage 0-7) evaluates clinical outcomes, patient involvement, and clinician use of technology to enhance hospital performance and health outcomes. Spearheaded by our Clinical Information Systems (CIS) team, SHN’s Stage 6 designation reflects the expansive use and integration of our Epic system since its 2021 implementation, allowing for stronger data sharing and communication.
“EMRAM is more than just a score; it shows our deep commitment to the quality of care, the safety of our patients and community, and the well-being and satisfaction of our dedicated workforce,” said Dion Maxwell, Director, Clinical Information Systems at SHN.
“Achieving Stage 6 is a crucial benchmark in the digital transformation of healthcare. It signifies a level of maturity that allows more accurate, data-driven decision-making and sets the stage for even greater advancements in patient care,” added Dr. Elaine Yeung, SHN’s Chief Medical Information Officer.
Looking ahead, Maxwell said his team will continue to work towards the highest level of electronic record maturity. In reaching Stage 6, SHN has laid the groundwork for advancing to EMRAM Stage 7 for a fully dynamic health records system, further cementing SHN’s leadership in digital healthcare.
