Mrs Meaghan Maher1, Kath Feely1,2,3,4,5, Jane Jolley1
1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia, 2Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Australia, 3The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia, 4The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia, 5The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
Having spent over 12 years in various healthcare settings as a dietitian, Meaghan currently serves as an Allied Health Clinical Informatics Officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Meaghan's focus is bridging the gap between Allied Health clinicians and EMR analysts by blending clinical excellence and technological innovation. She is passionate about leveraging healthcare technology to streamline processes, improve clinician experience and elevate patient care standards.
Abstract:
Purpose:
To provide an interprofessional cohort approach for developing Allied Health (AH) digital leaders.
Problem:
AH professionals can become clinician builders to design and deliver Electronic Medical Record (EMR) optimisations. However, this has traditionally been voluntary and siloed, leading to uneven progress and satisfaction across professions. Challenges included limited time, resource constraints, and underutilisation of skills, and reliance on EMR analysts.
Approach:
Our hospital introduced the Band of Builders, a six-month interprofessional builder cohort model. Six AH professionals from at least three disciplines were selected to implement three priority EMR enhancements aligned with the AH Strategic Plan. An Informatics Officer facilitated collaboration with the EMR team. Participants received structured build resources and periodic workshops. Success was measured by enhancement completion and participant feedback.
Outcomes:
All participants completed the pilot, achieving two of three priority enhancements. Over 400 new EMR records were created, a 3.5-fold increase in output compared to the prior six months. Additionally, long-standing EMR requests—some delayed for over two years—were resolved. Participants reported valuing protected time, collaboration with peers and EMR analysts, and interdisciplinary exposure. However, they identified a preference for regular, rather than periodic workshops, and had difficulties accessing the build environment.
Conclusion:
The Band of Builders strengthened digital capabilities and improved workforce connectivity. This structured cohort model supports career development and aligns EMR optimisations with strategic goals, benefiting AH professionals and the broader healthcare system.
Future iterations should prioritise regular group meetings and improved system access.