Scope of project

Project work includes designing and validating shared, consistent, evidence-informed clinical practices; and configuring a powerful clinical information system. It also includes developing a comprehensive education program that will cater to the different learning needs of care providers, nurses, and ancillary and support staff across VCH, PHSA and PHC.

The CST Cerner system and new standardized clinical practices have been implemented at sites including Vancouver General Hospital, Lions Gate Hospital, Squamish General Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, Mount Saint Joseph, BC Cancer – Vancouver, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, and will continue to roll out at facilities across VCH, PHSA and PHC. As a foundation for this work, the Vancouver Pharmacy Production Centre opened in fall 2016. 

What will change?

About the clinical information system

VCH, PHSA and PHC are implementing a shared clinical information system based on software developed by Cerner. The shared system, called CST Cerner, will consolidate patient data from over 50 current systems into one electronic health record.

What this means for health professionals

  • An electronic patient chart means no more searching for the chart, writing orders on paper, or deciphering handwriting.
  • Easy-to-access information about the patient’s condition, allergies, medications and previous medical history.
  • Ability to see a patient’s chart when they’re still in the Emergency Department, before they have arrived on a hospital unit.

How things will change

Standardized Clinical Content

  • Order sets
  • Integrated plans of care
  • Structured documentation standards
  • Standardized nursing content
  • Algorithms for proactive response to sepsis
  • Structured terminology for diagnosis/problems

Shared and Improved Processes

Better Use of Technology