Having just completed an extremely complex deployment of Expanse 2.1 in September 2023, I was invited to speak at the MEDITECH User Network conference in Liverpool, UK. Being held only four weeks after our go-live, I was keen to share the innovative work we have been doing on our Patient Portal – Alder Hey @nywhere. I was honoured to be selected for the International Education Exchange (IEE) contest to attend the 2024 MUSE conference in Denver, Colorado.
My first impressions were that I was delighted to meet so many like-minded and passionate individuals across North America, all with a shared goal of developing the MEDITECH system! As the only delegate from the UK, I was keen to understand how we can bring the innovations and optimisations back with me to share with organisations here. The packed itinerary meant I had plenty of choice with all sessions very well attended.
There were several highlights which were key take-home messages:
- A focus on AI and how it can be integrated into MEDITECH or combined with other solutions. The governance around the safe deployment and a blueprint for how organisations can evaluate projects. Digital, legal and ethical specialists are key stakeholders when reviewing AI projects or developments.
- Infrastructure and Cyber Security – common globally but how to balance safety with innovation/progress was fascinating.
- Patient experience and portals – laws and policies are different in the US and Canada, so the requirements vary compared to the UK. HIPAA compliance is different to the GDPR standards, and all apps must be from a designated provider. It was exciting to see the MEDITECH Portal which is not available internationally.
MEDITECH developments were several years ahead of where we currently are and seeing the roadmap for what is in the art of the possible was very interesting. Expanse 2.2 will not launch in the UK until later in 2024. Demos of Expanse Now, Care Compass, Traverse/One Connect, “MEDITECH as a Service” (MaaS) were all fascinating.
There were also several surprises at the conference which I have enjoyed sharing with teams:
- “At The Elbow” (ATE) support is not something we are familiar with, and I have not experienced in other organisations. At least two sessions discussed how they have hundreds of external MEDITECH specialists come into an organisation and support staff for 6+ weeks! This is incredible. Ratios of 1:2 or at worst 1:4 would be a dream during go-live/upgrades.
- Surveillance was not well understood during our Expanse development – since I returned (and a few calls with delegates) we have totally pivoted on how we utilise it across the organisation. We have now developed solutions for Theatres, ED and patient deterioration.
- Expanse Now update – ordering medication for a patient via Apple Watch. Wow!
My other takeaways were the focus by the organisers on wellness and well-being. Freshly squeezed juice kept energy and concentration high, back massage to relieve pain carrying all the information received from the large vendor hall, and, the highlight, Puppy Petting area. This was extremely popular and unique way for attendees to unwind.
At its core, MUSE brings people together and I was incredibly lucky to meet in person, two friends from East Tennessee Children’s Hospital – Marti and Tonia. Having met virtually via Teams every month for over two years, it was amazing to share the conference together. We also capitalised on my jetlag and one morning watched the sunrise over the Garden of the Gods – a breathtaking experience that I will cherish forever.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by International Education Exchange (IEE) contest. I look forward to welcoming the winner in Denver to Liverpool for MUN in October and know they will have an amazing experience.
Author
Peter White, CNIO
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Liverpool, UK