Optimization training explores workflow improvements that can increase user productivity and satisfaction post-launch. The Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) has developed a four-tier optimization pathway to foster continuous learning and to best address individual needs. 

As Connect Care workflows cross many different specialties (e.g., Admissions, Discharges, clinic visits, note writing, referrals), many of the resources developed will be applicable in the Oncology/Hematology context as well. 

• For general CMIO prescriber optimization information, see the Optimization Training section of this Manual

• For general CMIO prescriber personalization information, see the Personalization Training section of this Manual

• For information on how to search the CMIO Clinician Connect Care Manual, see the Finding Topics section of this Manual

Self-directed Optimization for CCA Prescribers

Users reinforce their basic training knowledge through self-directed just-in-time learning using prescriber-friendly resources.

• Connect Care Learning Home Dashboard: Click on Dashboard > Open down arrow beside "Beacon Physician Home" > CMIO Learning Home – Oncology

• Independent learning (mylearninglink.ahs.ca): Training track options will be listed in My Courses under “Independent Learning”, or search for “Independent” in Courses & Registration

  • • Training track options: Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Hematology/Peds Oncology, and Personalization (General)

    • Training/practice environments: PLY or PLY2

    • User names:

      • • Bone Marrow Transplant: BMT##

        • Hematology and Pediatric Oncology: PEDONC##

        • Medical Oncology: MEDONC##

        • Oncology Supplemental: MEDONC##

        • Radiation Oncology: RADONC##

    • Password: train

• Exercise books

  • • CMIO Radiation Oncology Exercise Book

    • CMIO Medical Oncologist Exercise Book

    • Peds Oncologist-Hematologist Exercise Book

• Personalization guides

  • • CMIO General Personalization Guide

    • Oncology-focused Personalization Guide [coming soon]

• CMIO videos: Coming soon

Direct Optimization Support for CCA Prescribers

Sessions organized through a clinical department in partnership with the CMIO training team.

• Targeted optimization sessions facilitated by Medical Informatics Leads (MILs) or CMIO training team members

• Class delivery (virtual or in-person), organized by a user group (e.g., tumor group) or clinical department 

• Deployment of CMIO Educators to Zone sites

Scheduled sessions 

• Scheduled optimization sessions: A series of Lunch and Learn sessions for Fall 2023 will run on Fridays from September 15 to October 13. For more information including meeting invites, topics, and links to relevant resources, see the poster.

  • • Poster: CCA Provider Lunch and Learn Sessions - Fall 2023

• Scheduled personalization sessions: Virtual, sign up required [link coming soon]

Requests for departmental optimization

To request a specific optimization session for your group, please submit a non-urgent ticket via Epic (submit a ticket or call 1-877-311-4300), with the following information: 

• Ticket title: CMIO request for optimization

• Include in ticket description:

  • • Name/contact

    • Number of people

    • Topic(s) of choice

    • Possible dates/times

Medication Continuity for Leave of Absence

For the workflow needed before, during, and after the LOA to ensure medication continuity between the sending and receiving sites, see the guide (includes steps for prescribers and nurses/clerks).

• • Guide: Medication Continuity for Leave of Absence (LOA)

Adding Oncology Orders to Inpatient Encounter

For the workflow for Oncologists whose patients with active Therapy plans (Clinic Administered Medication [CAM] orders) were admitted to hospital, see the guide.

• Guide: Adding Oncology Orders to Inpatient Encounter

Ordering Bladder Instillations in Connect Care

Once live on Connect Care, bladder instillations to be administered at CCA sites or at a Day Medicine site implementing Connect Care (Red Deer Regional Hospital) will need to be ordered by the urologist as a therapy plan in the Connect Care system. Faxed orders will no longer be accepted and CCA Nurses/Day Medicine Nurses will not be able to transcribe these orders into Connect Care. 

Therapy plan conversion work will begin on October 11, 2022, whereby CCA Nurses will enter in the therapy plans; in Red Deer, this work will be done by Day Medicine Nurses. To ensure your patients’ orders continue to stay active and for your patients to receive treatment, you will need to review and sign the therapy plans. During the conversion period, we highly encourage you to take this opportunity to practice entering a few therapy plans while multiple supports are present. 

To support you with this transition, please see the below resources:

• CCC BCG Therapy Plan Prescriber Letter (Launch 5) – Outlines the action items required for Urologists to ensure their patients’ orders continue to stay active and receive treatment.

• Therapy Plan Tipsheet (Launch 5) – Outlines the steps to review and sign a therapy plan during conversion, as well as details on how to sign up for prescriber-led support sessions on ordering therapy plans.  

• Cancer Staging Tipsheet – Outlines how to complete staging in Connect Care. 

For any questions or if you require more information, please email cmio.cca@ahs.ca. 

For more information about Connect Care, see other sections of this Manual, as well as the following resources:

• Connect Care Bytes Blog (for updates, news, and launch support)

• Connect Care Demonstrations

• Resource: General Connect Care Information for Cancer Care Alberta

• Questions: cmio.cca@ahs.ca