Thailand's BNH Hospital Goes Fully Paperless with EMR: A Model for Healthcare Innovation

Transforming Healthcare: BNH Hospital's Digital Leap

In a groundbreaking advancement for Thailand's healthcare system, BNH Hospital, recognized as the country's first international private hospital, has completely transitioned to a fully paperless operation thanks to the implementation of the InterSystems TrakCare electronic medical record (EMR) system. Established 127 years ago by King Rama V to serve foreign expatriates, BNH continues to modernize its services, now providing comprehensive tertiary-level care.

From Paper to Pixels: A 25-Year Journey

This transition was not an overnight phenomenon; it was the culmination of a 25-year journey towards digital transformation. According to Dr. Apichai Chaiyaroj, BNH's assistant director, the hospital's initial foray into electronic records began in the late 1990s with the adoption of MedTrak for financial and lab data management. However, medical records were predominantly kept on paper until the early 2010s, when outpatient records started being digitized through a program called Health Object.

The move towards a comprehensive EMR system gained momentum in 2016, as BNH began encouraging doctors to document patient records electronically. The installation of Quippe, a clinical documentation tool, further facilitated this shift, and by 2019, a noticeable uptick in outpatient record entries was achieved. However, adoption rates for inpatient records were less satisfactory, hovering around 20-30%.

Going All the Way with EMR

In response to limitations with their previous Health Information System (HIS), BNH decided to fully embrace an EMR system, choosing InterSystems TrakCare for its advanced capabilities. With a strategy focused on change management, BNH's leadership engaged key clinicians to ensure the system met their needs and encouraged buy-in. As a result, the hospital achieved an impressive 100% adoption rate among clinicians, marking a significant improvement from the previous 70% adoption rate.

The Impact of Change: A Focus on Patient Outcomes

With the TrakCare system now fully operational, BNH Hospital is not only enhancing the way patient data is documented but also improving outcomes in healthcare delivery. Clinicians can analyze critical data related to conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease, paving the way for more informed decision-making.

As Dr. Chaiyaroj observed, "Going live meant that all doctors adapted to the TrakCare system quickly, leading to a seamless integration of care processes." This smooth transition exemplifies how well-planned change management can elevate healthcare services, making them more efficient and accessible.

What Lies Ahead for Digital Health in Thailand

Looking ahead, BNH Hospital's leadership is excited about further developments, including the expansion of features within the TrakCare system, such as closed-loop medication management and enhanced data analytics capabilities. Dr. Chaiyaroj emphasized that the feedback from clinicians will be critical in informing future updates, aiming for a system that continually evolves to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.

The successful implementation of this new EMR system positions BNH as a model for other healthcare institutions in Thailand and the region as it demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating technology into patient care. Together, the commitment to embracing innovation highlights the pivotal role of digital tools in augmenting healthcare delivery, ultimately aiming to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

For healthcare providers considering similar digital transformations, BNH Hospital’s journey shows that fostering clinician engagement and tailoring technology to fit the needs of medical staff are essential components in achieving success.