News: Web-based “Resource Matching and Referral System” connects Toronto health care organizations

The Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC LHIN) is expanding use of the Strata Resource Matching and E-Referral™ Resource Matching and Referral System to all its acute care, rehabilitation and complex continuing care facilities and to the Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre (TC CCAC).

This innovative solution accelerates patients’ access to needed services by improving communication between organizations and by matching patients to the right care in real time.

“The positive outcomes to date have been made possible because of the dedicated people in the TC LHIN who have a tireless commitment to improving access and bed availability,” said Don Schick, Chief Executive Officer, Strata Health. “It has been a true honour to help them serve the needs of their patients and help realize the vision of enduring systemic improvements in access.”

The web-based solution is in use at Bridgepoint Health, Providence Healthcare, St. John’s Rehab Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network (UHN) and West Park Healthcare Centre.

“The Resource Matching and Referral expansion is an important part of our efforts to reduce emergency department wait times and alternative level of care days,” said Matthew Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, TC LHIN.

Within six months Strata Resource Matching and E-Referral™ will be in use at medical and surgical units at Baycrest, Mount Sinai Hospital, Runnymede Healthcare Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto East General Hospital and Toronto Grace Health Centre.

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Implemented by Shared Information Management Services (SIMS) for the Toronto Central LHIN, multidisciplinary team members at member organizations such as St. Joseph’s RN Tena Brown and RN Joseph Brubaker now contribute to one centralized referral and assessment that helps provide a safer and faster discharge of patients. Instead of sending faxes, members of the interprofessional team can simultaneously access and complete an electronic referral.