Netcare Milpark Hospital : One of the Joburg Paperless Hospitals

Netcare Milpark Hospital has successfully transitioned to a paperless operation through the implementation of the CareOn electronic medical records (EMR) system. This transition was part of a broader digital transformation strategy that aimed to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and support environmental sustainability.

This is how I think they did it:

Implementation Timeline

Feasibility Study (May 2017 - January 2018):

Netcare initiated the project by evaluating global electronic medical record solutions and their applicability in the local context.

Business Process Planning and Blueprinting (2018):

Detailed planning and blueprinting were conducted to tailor the EMR system to Netcare Milpark’s specific needs. This phase involved significant stakeholder engagement and process reengineering.

Installation of Network Points (January 2019):

Installation of the CareOn network points across the hospital ensured robust infrastructure to support the new system. This was critical for ensuring seamless connectivity and data flow.

Standardization and Documentation (July 2019):

The hospital standardized its operating policies and documentation to align with the new EMR system, ensuring consistency and compliance across all departments.

Staff and Doctor Training (February 2020):

Comprehensive training sessions were held to acquaint staff and doctors with the CareOn system. These sessions focused on demonstrating the benefits and functionalities of the new system.

Completion of System Design and Development (March 2020):

The system design and development were finalized, incorporating feedback from initial user experiences to refine the system.

System Optimization (April - July 2020):

This phase involved optimizing the system to enhance performance and user experience. It included iterative testing and improvements based on real-world usage.

User Training and Testing (August 2020):

Extensive user training and system testing ensured that the system was fully operational and met all required standards before broader implementation.

Pilot Launch (September 2020):

The CareOn system was piloted in a specific section of the hospital to gather data and monitor performance. The pilot was essential for making necessary adjustments before full-scale deployment.

Full Implementation (October - November 2020):

Following the successful pilot, the system was rolled out to additional wards, marking the full implementation of the CareOn system across Netcare Milpark Hospital.

Benefits and Outcomes

Enhanced Patient Care: The EMR system provides clinicians with real-time access to patient records, facilitating faster and more accurate decision-making and improving overall patient care.

Integration with Digital Systems: The CareOn system integrates seamlessly with other digital healthcare systems, streamlining operations and enhancing the efficiency of care delivery.

Environmental Sustainability: Transitioning to a paperless system significantly reduces paper usage, supporting the hospital’s sustainability goals.

Operational Efficiency: The digital transformation has improved workflow efficiencies, reducing administrative burdens and allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care.

Netcare Milpark Hospital’s move to electronic medical records represents a significant step forward in modernizing healthcare delivery, aligning with global trends towards digital health solutions.

How can a TVET college create a similar system? Contact me asap if you have any ideas or can help in any way