The Portage Clinic has completed a major upgrade to its operations by switching from its previous electronic medical record system to LibreMD, a Manitoba-developed platform designed with Manitoba physicians in mind.
Brenda Martinussen, executive director of Portage Clinic, explains the decision was rooted in both practicality and patient care.
“A lot of the EMR systems out there are national or international, and they have to address the needs of physicians across a country,” Martinussen says. “They can’t be as specific as LibreMD is able to be, being Manitoba-grown.”
She adds that having a homegrown system brings added benefits when technical issues arise.
“They are very responsive. They're local. They can respond in real time.”
Martinussen notes LibreMD also introduces more modern technology that creates real efficiencies for physicians.
“With those benefits comes efficiency,” she says. “Their processes allow for the doctors to be more efficient, so they can spend more time focusing on patient care. More patient time, less paper.”
Patients will begin to see these improvements soon.
“We’ll be rolling out an improved online booking system over the next couple of weeks,” Martinussen adds. “Patients don’t need an account to book an appointment anymore, like they did previously. It’s easier access.”
LibreMD also enhances security and communication between doctors and patients, thanks to a secure portal in their Global Connect program.
“Further, when connecting with other physicians, our doctors won't be relying on paper faxes anymore, as they will also be able to use the secure portal for communication” she says. “LibreMD is also a very strong advocator for medical clinics, for physicians, and ultimately for patients in Manitoba.”
Adjustment period underway for staff and patients
Samantha Hawco, director of operations and clinical lead, says patients may notice slightly longer booking and appointment times while the team adjusts.
“The public should have some patience with us as we're learning a brand-new system,” Hawco says. “All of us are learning this together at the same time.”
She adds that support is in place to help manage the transition.
“We have Libre staff on site to help us adjust to this transition,” she says. “Patients may experience slightly longer booking times because we're updating our information, and their appointment with the physician may take a little longer as we learn how to and navigate the system.”
Transition expected to wrap by mid-July
The team expects to complete the main transition by July 11.
“After that, we should be up and running very smoothly,” Hawco says. “And as we learn more and more of Libre’s tools, even faster.”
She adds that physicians have welcomed the change.
“It allows the physicians to have better, faster tools at their disposal,” she says. “So they can provide an even better patient experience here.”
Looking to the future: provincial integration
While LibreMD is currently used by select clinics in Manitoba, the team hopes it will eventually be adopted more broadly across the province.
“In the future, we're hoping that this will be a provincial system,” Hawco says. “So it'll be a much easier transition for patients.”
She adds that patients should bring their Manitoba health cards when checking in but no additional documents are required.
Clinic praised for leadership and due diligence
Martinussen says Portage is not behind in adopting EMR upgrades. In fact, the clinic is often leading the way.
“There are a couple other larger clinics in the province who are already using LibreMD, such as Brandon and Dauphin, and we were able to go and visit them” she says.
The clinic took time to evaluate the system first-hand.
“We were able to meet with their doctors and their staff to get their feedback on the EMR,” Martinussen says. “The feedback we got from everyone we interviewed was extremely positive.”
She adds that holding off on an immediate rollout allowed Portage Clinic to benefit from lessons learned elsewhere.
“We did our due diligence. While we weren’t first out of the gate, we recognized what we think will be an incredibly beneficial program.”
Hawco continues, “By meeting with those using it and waiting until some of the kinks were worked out, we’re now able to roll it out more smoothly.”
She says Portage Clinic continues to be viewed as a provincial leader in healthcare delivery.
“Portage Clinic is known as the leader in medical clinics,” Hawco says. “Our residency program, our innovation—this is just one more thing we’re adding to that list with our new Libre system.”
- with files from Cory Knutt
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