At a Glance

Tegria was a key partner throughout our MEDITECH Expanse implementation .... They were great to work with, put a lot of effort into understanding our workflows and business requirements, and worked productively with MEDITECH and our hospital team to find solutions. Overall, the experience was a positive one that culminated in a remarkably smooth go-live.

Bohodar Rubashewsky, VP, People, Corporate Innovation & Services

Background and Challenge  

Founded in 1899, Holland Bloorview is the largest children’s rehabilitation hospital in Canada. The 63-bed nonprofit research facility serves 8,000 children annually, with 500 inpatient admissions and 54,000 outpatient visits.  

A longtime user of the MEDITECH Client/Server (C/S) 5.66 platform, Holland Bloorview had decided to implement the MEDITECH Expanse platform in its acute and ambulatory settings. The new, fully integrated EHR was expected to deliver significant improvements to the quality and efficiency of patient care while achieving Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) Stage 7.  

Holland Bloorview engaged Tegria to help tackle the complexities of being an early adopter.  

With this implementation, the hospital would become the first Canadian organization to successfully launch MEDITECH Expanse Ambulatory.  

Solution  

Given the unique circumstances impacting Holland Bloorview, understanding their needs and adapting solutions to create a customized approach was critical. Expanse implementation required Holland Bloorview to replace certain third-party vendors, including the formulary service vendor. They also needed to adapt products to Canadian workflows, modify dosing for pediatric patients, and integrate additional pharmacy systems. 

Tegria created efficiencies by using a project management methodology and tools specifically designed for READY implementation. Holland Bloorview also accelerated many aspects of the project by leveraging Tegria’s experiences with other organizations. Tegria experts coached Holland Bloorview leaders through the pros and cons of each decision while customizing the Expanse system to meet their current and future needs.  

Results  

Expanse launched on schedule and now plays a key role in Holland Bloorview’s digital health strategy. The new EHR also benefits ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development, the largest children’s treatment center in Ontario, for which Holland Bloorview provides EHR hosting. With Tegria’s assistance, ErinoakKids launched the new platform only three months after Holland Bloorview. Outcomes include: 

• Improved efficiencies and clinician satisfaction  
• Positioning for HIMSS Analytics EMRAM Stage 7 achievement  
• Integration of patient data across the continuum of care  
• Improved patient engagement via connect2care portal  
• Greater transparency for patients and families