Information Services (IS)
Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) values highly the contribution that technology can make to improve business operations and achieve strategic objectives.
The Information Services Division provides integral support for the use and development of information and communications technology.
IS Planning
In late 2005, a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of RDNS well-established mobile computer program was undertaken. After running a number of extensive workshops with RDNS nurses. Jointly, the technical and user specifications to lift existing mobile computer capability to new heights were established.
Mobile Workforce
Mobile Computing
In 1997 the introduction of mobile computers to RDNS permanently changed existing work practices. The amount of time spent on paperwork due to the sheer number of clients and their geographical spread, was drastically reduced.
Access to information improved, as did communication throughout the organisation, via real-time data capture and transfer. Data integrity and security was assured.
Current Mobile Computer Device Technology
In June 2007, RDNS completed an extensive upgrade of 1000 Tablet PCs and laptops. The Fujitsu LifeBook T4215 Tablet PC was chosen to form the basis of the next generation of mobile technology at RDNS.
These devices incorporate the best of what the computer world has to offer: intuitive interfaces, wireless connectivity, and applications that integrate seamlessly with the work priorities of RDNS nurses.
Security and Infrastructure
RDNS has a longstanding commitment to privacy. A secure email service using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) ensures emails containing client data, are secure. PKI provides encryption and digital signing of messages. RDNS uses organisational Certificates issued by Health eSignature Authority Pty Limited (HeSA).
The network infrastructure provides Security Access to the RDNS systems. RDNS has a TCP/IP network, and extends to remote sites over Wide Area links. Users have direct access to the Internet and Intranet.
Applications & Data Repositories
The Client System
The RDNS client information system is called Camillus and is written in a customised program. The client system is deployed throughout all RDNS centres, to all nurses, some hospitals and to some community health locations.
The Camillus system includes the following modules:
• Client Master Index file
• Interagency e-referral (including SCoTT)
• Client Financial data
• Diagnostic coding (ICD9-CM)
• Client Assessment
• Clinical Pathways
• Alerts and Clinical notes
• Attached documents and notes
• Staff Information and rostering
• Client appointment rostering and scheduling
• Client visits and contacts
• Interface to rostering system
• Episode Management - Referral, admission, transfer and discharge;
• Interface to Mobile Computing (Gemino) including Schedule downloads, messaging support (HL7 based);
• Customer Service Centre – Call Agent functions and management
• Program Management;
• Client and Debtor Billing including: Automated Invoicing, Credits and reversals, Complex Fee schedules, Financial Program billing, Third party billing [including Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA)], Interfaces to Debtors, Invoice printing; and
• Reporting and data extract including report scheduling, Summary statistics, operational and statutory reporting, and report writer.
Apart from its use as a major source of client information, the data held on the Camillus system is often used by internal and external bodies as a basis for conducting research and establishing trends within community health.
Minimum Data Sets/Data Mapping
RDNS offers a wide range of healthcare services that are associated with specific obligatory reporting requirements. To overcome potential difficulties in Data collection in such a complex and diverse environment, RDNS operates a data-mapping matrix.
This system works behind the scenes and enables the organisation to respond and comply with the many health related minimum data sets without imposing on field staff.
Current minimum data sets included in RDNS data include:
• HACC Minimum Data Set - HACC
• Community Nursing Minimum Data Set
• Palliative Care Minimum Data Set
• Department of Veteran Affairs Minimum Data Set
• Victorian Integrated Non Admitted Health - VINAH
Data Warehouse
RDNS runs a data warehouse called Janus, which is a Windows SQL 2000 database and includes OLAP technologies. Data access tools include Business Objects, Crystal Reports and Excel.
Other major Application Systems:
• Finance
• HR & Payroll
• Fleet Management
• Donor Management
• Staff Rostering
• Web development
• IS Support management
• Incidents
Operating Systems, Software and Hardware
RDNS systems & databases are developed and delivered using Jade and Microsoft technologies.
The operating software platform is based on Microsoft Windows (NT, 2000, 2003 and XP). RDNS has a Standard Operating Environment (SOE) process in place for PCs, Servers and Mobile computers.
Hardware upgrades and software installations are managed to ensure that there are no issues with the changes to the environment. Support is simplified as standard hardware and software configurations are used at each site.
Microsoft Systems
• Office – XP
• Email - Exchange
• Database - SQL 7.0, 2000
• Distribution, monitoring and management – SMS
Other Support Systems
• Anti Virus
• Email content filtering, PKI Encryption
• Web content filtering
Hardware platform is based on ‘tier-one’ equipment. RDNS hardware purchasing is based on HP, Dell, Nokia, Cisco and Nortel Equipment.
Partnerships
RDNS works closely with a large number of ICT partners to ensure our technological needs are met and access to highly skilled experts is readily available.
Key relationships include Jade Software Corporation who assists with major projects, including software development for client system Camillus, Jade server management and Jade application support.
Melbourne, Australia
RDNS is also assisted by Pen Computer Systems, developers of mobile computer application, Gemino.
Melbourne, Australia
For further technical information contact us