Photo caption: Members of the Project REACH team.
By: Mariela Castro, Communications Specialist, Baycrest
For older adults with complex health needs, care rarely happens in one place. Baycrest is taking a major step toward a more connected care experience through Project REACH, a joint initiative with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to implement a new health information system (HIS).
Teams from both organizations are working together to implement the Oracle Health electronic health record, drawing on Sunnybrook's experience with the system and Baycrest's expertise in aging, complex care and specialized services. Their collaboration spans workflow design, change management, training and engagement, with each organization helping shape an approach that meets its operational and clinical needs.
The new HIS will strengthen how clinical information is accessed, documented and shared across services and healthcare partners.
“Ontario's health system is moving toward greater integration, and Baycrest is committed to being part of that change," says Deb Galet, President and CEO of Baycrest Hospital. “Project REACH will give our teams a modern digital foundation to work more effectively across services and with our health system partners, helping us continue to evolve care around the needs of older adults."
Supporting Care Across the Continuum
Older adults often receive care from multiple clinicians, programs and healthcare organizations. Having timely access to relevant information is essential.
The new HIS will give teams a more complete view of the people they care for, while reducing reliance on manual processes and fragmented information. For patients and families, the goal is a smoother experience as they move between services and settings.
The partnership with Sunnybrook is an important part of this initiative. Working with a common technology platform and implementation approach will help strengthen collaboration between the two organizations and support their role as health system partners.
More than a Technology Change
Project REACH is an opportunity to rethink how information, technology and workflows can support care.
At Baycrest, clinicians, physicians, staff and leaders are guiding how the system will work across hospital and ambulatory care. They are also working closely with Sunnybrook colleagues to share lessons learned and inform the implementation.
“Digital transformation is most meaningful when it helps people deliver better care," says Kiza Kozak, Vice-President, Digital Transformation, Chief Information Officer and Chief Privacy Officer at Baycrest. “Project REACH gives us an opportunity to modernize the tools our teams rely on, while designing the experience around the needs of our patients, residents, families and care teams."
Building What's Next for Care
Project REACH represents one of the most significant transformations in Baycrest's history.
Together, Baycrest and Sunnybrook are building a stronger digital foundation for a more integrated future – one that can better connect care, information and people around the evolving needs of older adults.