Vitalhub's Novari Health rolls out tech in Niagara

Executive Summary

• Novari Health, a subsidiary of Vitalhub Corp., has announced the deployment of its AI-enhanced Referral Management and Medical Imaging Requisition Management (MIRM) technologies across all Niagara Health sites in the Niagara region.
• The implementation aims to streamline the receipt, processing, and triage of inpatient and outpatient referrals for medical imaging and ambulatory clinics, addressing healthcare resource shortages and wait-list backlogs.
• The solution integrates with Niagara Health’s Oracle Health (Cerner) electronic health record system and utilizes AI transcription to automate data entry, improve referral accuracy, and free up staff for higher-value work.

Key Details

• Deployment Scope: Novari’s MIRM and e-request technologies will be implemented at all Niagara Health sites, specifically including:
  • Fort Erie Complex and Urgent Care Centre
  • Marotta Family Hospital
  • Niagara Falls Hospital
  • Port Colborne Complex and Urgent Care Centre
  • Welland Hospital
• Technology Features:
  • AI Transcription: Enhances referral accuracy by prepopulating data fields, detecting multiple referrals within single documents, and verifying patient information against existing records.
  • Workflow Automation: Automates the intake, extraction, and processing of referral documents to eliminate manual transcription and paper-based inefficiencies.
  • Analytics: Provides real-time data on patient wait times to help identify workflow bottlenecks and improve resource utilization.
• Integration: The project involves tight integration with Niagara Health’s Oracle Health (Cerner) electronic health record system. Novari’s technology is compatible with various hospital information systems (Epic, Meditech, Oracle Health), electronic medical record systems (Accuro), and PACS systems (AGFA, GE Healthcare, Philips).
• Strategic Context: The deployment addresses challenges such as human resource shortages, aging populations, and financial pressures by centralizing requisition intake and standardizing wait-list management for services including medical imaging, surgery, mental health, and diabetes care.

Notable Quotes

• "Implementing Novari's referral management solutions is an important step in advancing Niagara Health's digital transformation strategy. By centralizing requisition intake, automating workflows and supporting standardized wait-list management, we are improving triage accuracy and communication -- ultimately strengthening our ability to deliver timely, co-ordinated care across all sites," said Sonali Kohli, executive vice-president, digital transformation, and chief information officer, Niagara Health.
• "Over the last few years, Novari has played an important role in Niagara Health's successful digital modernization journey. This next step will transform the referral processes and improve access to care for patients in the Niagara region," said John Sinclair, president and chief executive officer of Novari Health.