BNH Hospital: Thailand’s Pioneer in Paperless Healthcare Transformation
Introduction to a Historic Journey
BNH Hospital, famously recognized as the first international private hospital in Thailand, has made significant strides in modernizing healthcare with its complete transition to a paperless system. This groundbreaking change has been facilitated through the implementation of an integrated Hospital Information System (HIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR), positioning BNH at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Thailand.
Founded on Excellence
Originally established by King Rama V 127 years ago, BNH Hospital was envisioned as a contemporary medical facility catering to foreign expatriates. Over the years, it has evolved into a tertiary-level care provider, particularly renowned for its specialized services in Spine Care and Mother and Child Health.
A Two-Decade Digital Revolution Begins
The hospital’s journey toward digitization commenced over two decades ago. According to BNH’s assistant director, Dr. Apichai Chaiyaroj, the groundwork was laid when the hospital opened a modern building in 1999. At this time, BNH adopted the MedTrak system for financial and laboratory data management, although the majority of medical records remained on paper during those early years.
Health Object Program: A Stepping Stone
In 2011, BNH initiated the Health Object program, a pivotal moment that saw a significant number of doctors begin entering outpatient diagnoses and medication orders electronically. This program set the stage for further advancements in patient record-keeping.
A Shift Toward Integrated Systems
By 2016, BNH was encouraging medical professionals to input patient records directly into the HIS. This marked a significant push toward a fully electronic system, aimed at increasing efficiency and improving patient care outcomes.
Introducing Quippe: A Customized Solution
In the following year, BNH implemented Quippe, a clinical documentation tool developed by Medicomp Systems. The IT and medical records teams at BNH tailored this tool to meet the specific needs of the hospital’s doctors and nurses, enabling easier and more accurate documentation.
From Incremental Change to Transformation
During the period from 2016 to 2019, there were notable increases in digital record-keeping, with nurses’ outpatient records and about 70% of doctors’ outpatient records being entered into Quippe. However, inpatient records saw only about 20-30% adoption by doctors, indicating room for further progress.
Identifying a Need for Comprehensive Change
After reaching a plateau with its HIS, BNH recognized the need to shift to a different system that aligned with the evolving goals of its parent hospital group. "The HIS could not develop further," Dr. Chaiyaroj stated, leading to a strategic decision to pursue a more comprehensive EMR solution.
Successfully Implementing TrakCare
In collaboration with InterSystems and IT consultant Lansing, BNH spearheaded the transition to the InterSystems TrakCare EMR system. This move was pivotal, as BNH achieved 100% clinician adoption following the system’s launch—a remarkable improvement compared to the previous 70% adoption rate.
The Payoff: Full Utilization and Enhanced Care
"The result was satisfactorily rewarding," Dr. Chaiyaroj highlighted. Following the launch, all physicians actively engaged with the new TrakCare system for documenting both inpatient and outpatient records, effectively achieving the hospital’s goal of complete utilization.
Data Analysis: A New Frontier in Decision-Making
Beyond enhancing record-keeping capabilities, BNH can now also analyze imaging data to improve lung cancer and heart disease screenings. This ability to conduct data analysis marks a significant advancement in early detection and patient care strategies.
Future Prospects: Embracing Innovation
BNH utilizes the latest local version of TrakCare, which has not been customized, allowing for rapid innovation and implementation of new features. Dr. Chaiyaroj expressed optimism about the potential for leveraging structured data in conjunction with current AI technology to further improve patient care.
Engagement with Future Technologies
The hospital’s plans to advance include expanding closed-loop medication management, integrating mobile devices, and enhancing data analytics to boost service delivery and patient outcomes.
A Broader Trend in Private Healthcare
BNH Hospital’s migration to the TrakCare system mirrors a wider trend within the Samitivej Hospital Group, of which it is a vital part. Other hospitals in the group are adopting integrated HIS and EMR systems to standardize data management practices across the network, in alignment with the larger vision of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Thailand’s largest private hospital operator.
Competitive Digitization in Thai Healthcare
In recent years, other private hospitals in Thailand have increasingly turned to digital solutions. For instance, Bangkok Hospital replaced paper-based patient flow systems with AI-powered self-service kiosks, while its check-up department transitioned fully to digital platforms.
Recognition in Advanced EMR Capabilities
Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi, part of the Principle Healthcare Group, achieved validation for the highest stage of the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, reflecting a commitment to advanced EMR capabilities that enhance patient care.
Leading the Charge with AI Innovations
Late last year, Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital introduced an AI-driven pathology information system that features smart forms and speech-to-text technology, aiming to simplify medical data entry for healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer in Healthcare Innovation
BNH Hospital’s transition to a fully electronic healthcare system represents not only a technological advancement but also a commitment to enhancing patient care. As Thailand’s first international private hospital embraces these changes, it sets a powerful example for the rest of the healthcare industry, demonstrating the profound benefits of digital transformation in medical settings.
