Necessity is the mother of invention:

Web (intranet) based bronchoscopy reporting, auditing and lists organising system -

 

All in-house development addressing the need of clinical governance and the patients choice agenda

 

A R Guhan, S Brazier, M Saunders, M Ahmad, J Dewar

 

BACKGROUND

 

The hand written bronchoscopy reporting cards previously in use were too small to allow comprehensive documentation of bronchoscopy findings. They were often illegible and occasionally misplaced. Proper auditing of the bronchoscopy services and findings was difficult.

The twice weekly bronchoscopy lists needed better coordination to optimise resource utilisation and allow for patients’ test date and time preferences. We needed a new system.

 

Our Trust’s dire financial circumstances made unviable the option of purchasing commercial Bronchoscopy Software. These were, in any case, expensive and needlessly complicated.

In a moment of bravado (or madness) we decided to develop our own software to address our needs. We present the result which demonstrates what can be achieved when there is active collaboration, cooperation and communication between different departments within an NHS organisation.

 

WHAT WE WANTED:

 

A) System accessibility from any networked computer within the Trust
- allowing access to the reports database, Bronchoscopy Appointments System and the Reporting Interface from all clinics and wards, including the intensive care unit.

This was achieved by placing the software on the Trust server, in effect making the system Web-based. Password protected.

Commercial software charge £3000.00 per terminal allowed access. Placing our system on the Trust Intranet allowed numerous multiple (and simultaneous) terminal access without any extra cost.

B) User-friendly single-page interface for entering bronchoscopy findings.

C) Clear printed computer generated comprehensive bronchoscopy reports

D) Robust audit tool linked to a comprehensive electronic data-base.

E) Computer generated customised pathology request forms for samples.
- This is an attempt at risk reduction, avoiding sample mislabelling and providing comprehensive legible clinical details to pathologists.

F) An incorporated bronchoscopy appointments system, giving patients choice of the date and time of bronchoscopy; booked while in clinic.

G) Automatic linkage to our patient information system (CAMIS)

H) Incorporated e-mail facility to allow electronic transfer of bronchoscopy reports between clinicians.

 

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED:

Intranet based Bronchoscopy Reporting System.
Accessible from any where within the Trust acrossboth hospital sites.
Password protected.

 

THE NEW SYSTEM

Web-based Reporting
Interface for entering
bronchoscopy findings.

All entries added to a dynamic data base: a robust audit tool

Our new bronchoscopy reports on A4 sheets.
Permanent electronic record.

Customised pathology request form for each patient

 

Bronchoscopy Appointment System

Patient may choose date and time of test.
Linked to CAMIS, as is the Reporting Interface (above), allowing quick and accurate Patient Demography search and entry into the system.