Irish patients will move between hospitals in unprecedented numbers as hospital capacity is severely reduced by Covid19. Medical records need to follow these patients but there is currently no consistent, secure, and efficient method of record sharing in place across the health service. Records are routinely moved by registered post, courier or taxi raising issues of patient privacy, security of records and now, a contamination risk via handling of paper records in a hospital environment.

Dublin-based Vitro Software has today launched its proprietary software solution, called PIM or people in motion, already used by its worldwide client base, to Irish healthcare providers from as little as €1 per patient if broadly adopted (versus an €8 registered post fee and considerably more expensive for couriers/taxis).

As we begin to see the COVID-19 restrictions lift in Ireland, our public hospital system will come under huge strain as it works to tackle waiting lists which were already the longest in Europe pre-crisis - they will have to operate at just 80% of capacity. The release valve for this pressure will in theory come from the private hospitals, under the agreement signed with the Irish government in March. The patients relevant medical history needs to be shared between hospitals in a secure & reliable way to reduce repeat diagnostic tests, risk and potential delays. Technology is the obvious answer, Vitro Software's PIM solution allows authorised clinicians to access a patients record using PCs or Tablets - a quick to implement system with minimal training requirements...

Vitro Software’s COVID-19 screening App was designed based on guidance from the World Health Organisation. It is an intuitive App that seamlessly sits within our customers' Digital Medical Record (DMR) - Vitro. Deploying the App into each customer's DMR takes minutes, meaning doctors, nurses and healthcare workers can use it immediately, and without the need for additional training.

Healthcare systems around the world are under immense pressure at the moment, whether in the planning stage to mitigate against what might come, or facing it head-on as we speak. While always cognisant of the important service our healthcare workers provide, including those with whom we work daily, we are especially aware & grateful for their service in the current environment. We have taken precautions to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect our employees; hence our teams are encouraged to work from home for the moment. We want to reassure our customers that our infrastructure allows us to continue to support them fully in this environment. We have a range of digital solutions which can help hospitals, COVID-19 test centres and home care operators deal during this pandemic... 

Dr Ruth Barnes will join Laura Magahy, Alan Price and Prof Richard Greene and a host of other speakers at the next HSE Digital Academy Forum on March 11th. Ruth will share a case study from one of Vitro Software's Australian clients, the Calvary Hospital Group, the case study describes how Calvary employed the "Show Value/Grow Value" approach to start their Digital Transformation journey. Ruth will run through where Calvary started, moving to today where 12 of their hospitals from 64 bed to 180 bed are using Vitro's Digital Medical Record. She will talk about their journey to-date, lessons learned, and what is next. Ruth will introduce how the "Show Value/Grow Value" approach works, how it de-risks decision making, meets budgetary requirements and allows both large and small hospitals and healthcare organisations to embark on their journey with Digital Medical Records. **Event postponed by HSE