The Surgical Information Management System (SIMS) automates all phases of surgical care, from scheduling and supply management to preference cards and documentation. The system provides a fast and easy access to critical information needed to improve clinical, administrative, and financial outcomes. Data collection and reporting will also be improved, allowing for more accurate resource planning and an enhanced quality of patient care.

The Surgical slating and Whiteboard components of SIMS are now in operation at the Ann Thomas Building at the Health Sciences Centre.

Centricity Perioperative Manager (CPM) is the product name for the system. This system, purchased from General Electric Medical Systems, will replace the existing O.R. system ComputeOR, in Women’s, Children’s and Adult’s Surgical Suites.

CPM links with the new Sterile Instrument Tracking and Clinical Supply Chain Systems (materiel management, warehouse management and accounts payable) to provide additional functionality.

SIMS Functionality

• Scheduling cases
• Checking for scheduling conflicts for rooms, surgeons, anaesthetists, equipment and instruments
• Generating lists of items required for the Sterile Processing Department to assemble case carts using the Electronic Doctor Preference Cards
• Average case costing based on the preference cards
• Entering O.R. documentation in the theatre
• Viewing case status outside the theatre based on O.R. documentation
• Creating standard and customized reports

SIMS functionality does not include the following:

• Wait list management,
• Labour and Delivery room scheduling,
• H5 Procedure room scheduling,
• Pre-Anaesthesia Clinic documentation,
• Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit documentation,
• Anaesthesia documentation.

Who will be impacted ?

• Slating Clerks will use the new system.
• O.R. nurses will document on-line in the theatre.
• Physicians’ elective slates will be confirmed further in advance.
• Sterile Processing Department will assemble case carts and provide most of the consumables.
• O.R. managers will have access to more comprehensive statistical and financial information.

Clinical Benefits

• Scheduling process is streamlined
• Efficiency is gained in doctor preference cards
• Documentation is accurate, integrated and legible
• Industry standards and best practices are incorporated

Administrative Benefits

• Accurate total procedure costs are calculated.
• Accurate management reports are available to assist with:
  • Resource utilization
  • Standardization of supplies
  • Long term planning
• Data integrity, confidentiality and availability is enhanced.

Glossary
White Board - An electronic display of all cases in the OR and their current status - e.g. surgery has begun.

Real-time - Actual time, not a snap shot of a point in time i.e. when you view the slate, you know what is happening at exactly that moment

Pick List - A list sent electronically to Sterile Processing Department identifying items required on a specific case cart

Centricity Perioperative Manager (CPM) - The product name for the Surgical Information Management System that has been purchased from General Electric Medical Systems.