Payroll, billing and accounting are all tied into the information system while the electronic medical devices are powered by the clinical system. The clinical system takes priority, says David E. McCanna, director of clinical engineering. The hospital has outlined a plan that inventories all equipment and identifies the problems that may arise out of the transition to 2000. According to McCanna, equipment used for life support and patient monitoring is regarded as critical and demands immediate attention. After the inventory is completed, the next step is an audit to identify systems under service contracts that would cover upgrades.
People are worried, but it's an unknown worry.
Nevertheless, Roe emphasizes there is no reason to panic. A lot of people are working on this and we are putting contingency plans together as a back-up. Roe adds that Forum is upgrading or replacing most of its information and clinical networks. All rights reserved.