How a digital automation tool is helping JHAH clinicians spend more time with home healthcare patients

JHAH has become the first hospital in the Middle East to implement the Epic Dorothy module, which automates and streamlines home healthcare administration.

Home healthcare patients at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) are now spending more time face-to-face with clinicians after the launch of a digital automation tool.

JHAH has become the first hospital in the Middle East to implement Epic Dorothy, a software system that automatically books appointments, updates medical records, and ensures seamless connectivity between hospital data systems.

Thanks to Epic Dorothy, home healthcare at JHAH is now even more patient-centric, dependable, and efficient.

Dr. Amal Alahmree, Director of Nursing and Clinical Support Services, described the implementation of the Epic Dorothy module as a “major milestone” for JHAH’s Home Healthcare Services team.

Maryam Al Darweesh, project manager for Epic at JHAH, said: “Previously, home health clinicians had to be connected to the network to review patient medical records and update the patient’s chart. Now, with Epic Dorothy, they can do this while they’re out in the field – even if they don’t have a data connection.”

Epic Dorothy has multiple offline capabilities, allowing clinicians to access patient summaries, schedules, and care plan interventions when they do not have a data connection. Clinicians can also capture wound photos and complete wound assessments with or without a data connection, with the information added automatically to the patient’s comprehensive health record.

One of the most impactful features of Epic Dorothy is “silent scheduling,” whereby clinician visits are automatically scheduled for the future based on historical visits. This proactive approach enhances continuity of care and ultimately, improves health outcomes.

Epic Dorothy also streamlines documentation through its ROVER mobile app, which automatically pulls patient information into new reports. Further, the system automates the process for nurses who need to amend referrals from referring physicians, preventing unnecessary delays and ensuring smoother transitions in care.

The ability to monitor and document patient progress at the point of care takes away the need for paper documentation and manual data entry, thereby improving efficiency. This saves time during visits, allowing clinicians to see more patients every week.

Dr. Alahmree expressed appreciation for each team member in the Home Health Unit and Epic @ JHAH team, acknowledging their hard work in bringing the project to completion. “It’s evident that their dedication to excellence has been a key driver behind every milestone reached,” she added.

JHAH worked with Epic for almost a year to implement the Dorothy module.