Introduction

Sint Maartenskliniek, a renowned medical facility, recently embarked on a successful implementation of digitized questionnaires as part of their patient care process. The clinic’s objective was to enhance efficiency, improve data accuracy, and seamlessly integrate patient information into their Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, HiX. This case description highlights the key achievements and benefits realized during the implementation process.

Implementation Overview

The implementation of digitized questionnaires at Sint Maartenskliniek involved the conversion of over 150 different paper-based questionnaires into digital formats. These questionnaires covered various aspects of patient care and were previously filled out manually by approximately 53,000 patients on an annual basis.

Key Success Factors

1. Questionnaire Digitization: The clinic successfully digitized a wide range of questionnaires, which encompassed different medical specialties and patient demographics. By transitioning from paper-based forms to electronic versions, Sint Maartenskliniek significantly reduced administrative burdens and enhanced data accuracy.
2. Application Manager Training: To ensure autonomy and flexibility, the clinic trained their application managers to create and manage questionnaires independently. These managers were proficient in utilizing HiX coding, allowing them to design, implement, and modify questionnaires according to evolving clinical requirements. Version management and multi-user functionality were also incorporated into the training, enabling seamless collaboration among multiple stakeholders.
3. FHIR API Integration: Sint Maartenskliniek leveraged the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) API to control the flow of questionnaires and integrate data seamlessly into their EHR system, HiX. This integration ensured that patient responses were directly transmitted, eliminating manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors.

Benefits and Impact

1. Streamlined Data Collection: With the digitization of questionnaires, Sint Maartenskliniek experienced a significant improvement in the efficiency of data collection. Patients could now complete multiple questionnaires electronically, reducing the time and effort required compared to traditional paper-based methods.
2. Enhanced Data Accuracy: The digital questionnaire system minimized the possibility of transcription errors, as patient responses were directly recorded and transmitted into the EHR system. This improved data accuracy and provided healthcare professionals with reliable and up-to-date information for patient care decisions.
3. Fully Integrated Patient Portal: Sint Maartenskliniek achieved full integration of the digital questionnaire system with their patient portal. This integration allowed patients to conveniently access and complete questionnaires from the comfort of their homes, improving patient engagement and satisfaction.
4. Seamless EHR Integration: The successful implementation of digitized questionnaires enabled seamless integration with the clinic’s EHR system, HiX. Patient data collected through the questionnaires was automatically synchronized with the corresponding electronic health records, providing a comprehensive view of patient information and facilitating informed decision-making.

Conclusion

The implementation of digitized questionnaires at Sint Maartenskliniek has brought about significant improvements in data collection, accuracy, and integration. By leveraging a comprehensive approach that involved training application managers, utilizing FHIR API integration, and ensuring full integration with the EHR system, the clinic has successfully enhanced patient care processes and achieved a more efficient and streamlined workflow. The digitized questionnaire system has proven to be a valuable asset, contributing to improved patient experiences, informed decision-making, and enhanced overall healthcare delivery at St. Maartens Clinic.