Kathryn Keiper

I am a Clinical Nurse Analyst for the Information Systems Department at Pocono Medical Center. PMC is a 192-bed, not-for-profit community hospital located in the Pocono Mountains of NE Pa. It is the sole provider for Monroe County and surrounding areas; the next hospital is 35 miles away. Perhaps this helps to explain the fact that we have the fifth busiest ER in Pennsylvania, with more than 65,000 visits annually.

Our community is presently experiencing a period of rapid growth. NYC and Philadelphia are both within commuting distance and the cost and quality of living here make this a desirable place to relocate. Because of our growing population, PMC is undergoing an expansion - adding new critical care units, a telemetry unit, new ER, cardiac cath lab, and ORs for open heart procedures. We are also seeking Level III Trauma certification.

Along with physical growth, PMC is undertaking implementation of an EHR and a number of other computerization projects - which is why my position was created. We are implementing a closed-loop medication safety solution which will include a number of McKesson products: Horizon Expert Orders, Horizon Meds Manager, and AdminRx. We have also gone live with Admission History, VS, I&O and the Physician Portal. Next on the agenda is Horizon Patient Folder. We are aiming at optimal integration of all systems so that caregivers can easily access and monitor all aspects of their patients' care in real time from anywhere.