The National Heart Institute of Malaysia has made significant strides in advancing digital healthcare and patient safety by achieving HIMSS EMRAM Stage 6 certification. This 400-bed specialized heart hospital is the first in Malaysia to reach this milestone, showcasing its dedication to cutting-edge technology and quality care.
In order to qualify as a flagship hospital for medical tourism, the National Heart Institute of Malaysia must now aim for EMRAM Stage 7 certification according to Malaysian government regulations. The hospital’s current system, Trakcare, was predominantly used for scheduling and administrative tasks, with clinical documentation still being done on paper. This outdated method led to inefficiencies and hindered the utilization of crucial data.
Piyanun Yenjit, founder and managing director of Apuk, an implementation partner for Medicomp specializing in clinical documentation systems and EMRAM consulting, emphasized the challenges faced during this transition. Adapting to new workflows and digital processes required strong support from top management and a clear vision to overcome resistance to change.
The hospital sought a comprehensive clinical documentation platform that offered structured data capture, standardized medical terminology, and seamless integration with their existing hospital information system. They needed a system that promoted efficiency with “one input for maximum output”, including automated documentation capabilities, proactive alerts at the point of care, and support for collaborative care planning.
The implementation process involved thorough workflow analysis to eliminate redundant processes and align with international healthcare standards. The clinical informatics team customized documentation templates to meet the requirements of 33 cardiac specialists, while technical teams worked on API integration between systems. Despite infrastructure challenges, such as database issues and user access limitations, the unwavering support from hospital leadership propelled the project forward.
The implementation resulted in significant improvements in efficiency, particularly for nursing staff who benefited from auto-population capabilities and streamlined workflows. Communication between physicians and nurses also improved through shared documentation views and task management features, enhancing care coordination and patient safety.
By transitioning from paper-based operations to electronic documentation with standardized medical terminology, the hospital was able to meet EMRAM requirements for closed-loop medication management and clinical pathways. This structured data is now being leveraged for clinical outcomes analysis as the hospital prepares for EMRAM Stage 7 assessment.
The National Heart Institute of Malaysia’s journey towards digital transformation and advanced healthcare showcases the importance of embracing technology to enhance patient care and safety. With strong leadership, strategic implementation, and a focus on leveraging data for improved outcomes, the hospital is setting a new standard for healthcare excellence in Malaysia.
