Connect Care Bytes Blog
Health informatics briefs for clinicians; from the Health Shared Services Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO@hssab.ca).
2026-09-24
New Coronary Cath Diagram Tool Now Available
2026-09-18
Delay for Launch of Connect Care Updates App
We previously communicated that the current Connect Care Updates (CC Updates) newsletter would soon be changing from a newsletter format to an online application that would allow users to directly sign up and receive only the updates relevant to them. Please note that the rollout date for the new tool will be delayed for prescribers until later this autumn, due to some additional work needed to address issues discovered in the testing phase. The app will go live next week as scheduled for clinical operations users.
Please also note that prescribers already on the CC Updates distribution list will continue to receive automatically generated emails from “Connect Care Updates” for a few weeks that summarize all updates entered into the new tool for the clinical operations users. Prescribers can disregard these emails until the new launch date.
We will communicate details on when the tool will be available to prescribers for sign up, via this blog and our Between the Charts newsletter.
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- New and Revised Transfusion Medicine Resources Now Available
- Connect Care Mobile Apps Outage - September 21, 2026, 20:00-22:00
- Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PACS) Scheduled Downtime (North, Edmonton, Central Zones) - September 22, 2026, 01:00-05:00
- FAQ (answers to common questions on Connect Care workflows)
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- New Goserelin Complex Therapy Plan Now Available
- Conditional After Visit Summary for Aprepitant and Sugammadex
- Changes to Gynecological Cytology and HPV Test of Cure Orders
- Enhancements to Discharge Planning Tools
- Tool Tune Up: September 2026 Order Tool Updates [updated Sep 17]
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
2026-09-14
New and Revised Transfusion Medicine Resources Now Available
New and revised Transfusion Medicine resources are now available on www.ahs.ca/labtransfusion. These resources provide information to support safe and appropriate transfusion practice in alignment with the AHS Transfusion of Blood Components and Blood Products Policy.
A list of the new/revised resources can be found in the Lab Bulletin linked below. Please review the most current version of the applicable Blood Component or Product Information/Monograph before transfusion and review the new resources for changes that impact your zones.
2026-09-04
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 30 Now Available
- All User Bulletin - Outage of Communication Between POCT Devices and Connect Care - September 8, 2026, 10:00-13:00
- Connect Care Scheduled Downtime - September 10, 2026, 00:30-04:30
- For Awareness: EMS CIS Downtime - September 9, 2026, 04:00-06:00
- Reminder: New TPP Alberta Pad Prescribing Exemptions
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- Lab Update - Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma Nucleic Acid Testing
- Lab Update - gFOBT To Be Delisted in Alberta
- Format Enhancements for Connect Care Prescriptions
- Optimization Training - Classes in September 2026
- Tool Tune Up: September 2026 Order Tool Updates
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
2026-08-28
Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 30 Now Available
Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, Between the Charts, summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips, and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:
- Coming soon:
- New Tracked Prescription Program (TPP) Alberta paper prescription pad exemptions (September 2)
- Format enhancements for Connect Care prescriptions (September 1)
- Delisting of guaiac based fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) in Alberta (September 8)
- Upcoming Connect Care–wide scheduled downtime (September 10)
- Connect Care Updates newsletter switching to online tool (September 21)
- Reminder: Change from Second Sign to Cosign for Surgical and GI MOAs
- Day surgery patients and correct patient class
- Patient self-referral for preventative health testing
- Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma nucleic acid testing
- Prescription order entry - electronic vs. scanning
- Using Dragon Medical One to move through smart fields in notes
- September Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes
- Epic's Pediatric Quick Wins SmartUser class
- And more!
The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual.
If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.
2026-08-21
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- All User Bulletin - Transfusion Notification in AVS
- Coming Soon: Surgical and GI MOA Role and Workflow Changes (Aug 25)
- Coming Soon: New TPP Alberta Pad Prescribing Exemptions (Sep 2)
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- Update to POCT INR Workflow
- IFT Update - Order Reconciliation Requirements
- Anesthesia/Surgery Update - Change to Anticoagulant OPA
- Update for Interventional Cardiologists
- Tool Tune Up: August 2026 Order Tool Updates
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
- Current issue: July 2026
- New issue coming soon!
2026-08-18
Coming Soon: New TPP Alberta Pad Prescribing Exemptions
As of September 2, 2026, there will be new Tracked Prescription Program (TPP) Alberta prescription pad exemptions when prescribing TPP-monitored Type 1 medications at applicable facility and clinic types.
- Inpatient discharges from all acute care facilities using Connect Care:
- Prescribers working on-site are exempt from using physical TPP pads to prescribe TPP-monitored Type 1 medications and can use Connect Care to securely eFax prescriptions directly to community pharmacies.
- Note: Connect Care prescribers must use the Discharge Navigator when generating acute care discharge prescriptions in order to enable the eFax option for TPP Type 1 medications.
- Exemptions only apply to inpatient discharges using Connect Care.
- Exemptions only apply when prescribers are discharging patients from acute care facilities using Connect Care.
- Exemptions do not include emergency departments, ambulatory clinics, urgent care sites, or day surgery units using Connect Care.
- Recovery Alberta’s Opioid Dependency Program (ODP) clinics:
- Prescribers working virtually or on-site at Recovery Alberta’s ODP clinics are exempt from using physical TPP pads to prescribe methadone and slow-release oral morphine only and can use Connect Care to securely eFax prescriptions directly to pharmacies.
- Exemptions only apply when prescribers are providing care to patients at Recovery Alberta’s ODP sites, either virtually or on-site, while using Connect Care.
- Exemptions do not apply to prescriptions for other TPP-monitored Type 1 medications or compounded medications.
TPP prescription pad exemptions eliminate duplicate prescription entry and reduce discrepancies between TPP pads and prescriber software systems. By reducing transcription errors and administrative tasks, these exemptions allow healthcare providers to devote more time to patient care and support safer prescribing practices.
Please note that:
- All prescribers are required to register with TPP Alberta to prescribe TPP-monitored, Type 1 medications. Register with TPP Alberta here.
- All prescribers are required to order their own TPP pad and have it available to use in the event that Connect Care is not available. Order your TPP pad here.
2026-08-17
Coming Soon: Surgical and GI MOA Role and Workflow Changes
Effective August 25, 2026, there will be Connect Care role/workflow changes for GI and/or Surgical Medical Office Assistants (MOAs):
- Change from Second Sign to Cosign: GI and Surgical MOAs will use the “Per protocol: cosign required” ordering mode for procedural ordering when using a personalized order set, instead of Second Sign.
- Case Cancellation: Surgical MOAs will be able to cancel unscheduled surgical case requests at the direction of their surgeon or ACATs/PCATs Surgery Care Alberta Lead.
2026-08-07
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Indigenous Health Documentation Sprint - Highlights of 2-Month Evaluation
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 29 Now Available
- Connect Care Transparent Lockdown - August 10, 2026 10:00-01:30 August 13, 2026
- Patient Choice and Self-Referral for Preventative Health Testing
- Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PACS) Scheduled Downtime (Calgary and South Zones) - August 11, 2026, 00:00-04:00
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- Endoscopy Update - Trauma Informed Care
- Lumens Update - Verify Orders Change
- Outgoing Referral Update - New Field for Unknown Provider/Location
- Optimization Training - Classes in August 2026
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
2026-08-06
Patient Choice and Self-Referral for Preventative Health Testing
2026-07-30
Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 29 Now Available
Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, Between the Charts, summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:
- Changes to the Associate Chief Medical Officer (ACMIO) program
- Indigenous Health Documentation Sprint
- Telehealth software update - RealPresence Desktop app replaced with Pexip web app
- AVS BYOD printing routing change in select EDs
- Dexcom G7 CGM data integration with Connect Care
- New Transfusion Appointment Request order available for PRN blood transfusions
- Initiative to clean up SmartLink Library
- Upcoming transparent lockdown impacting new personalizations (August 10-13)
- Coming soon: GI and/or Surgical MOA role/workflow changes - second sign, case cancellation (August 25)
- August Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes
- And more!
The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual.
If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.
Indigenous Health Documentation Sprint - Highlights of 2-Month Evaluation
In a coordinated effort between Indigenous Health subject matter experts and the Digital Health team, a Documentation Sprint for the Indigenous Health space took place between September 2025 and April 2026. As part of this initiative, several key changes were implemented:
- The Indigenous Health flowsheet was updated to better represent the work being done by Indigenous Health staff.
- New SmartText was developed that pulls data from the Indigenous Health flowsheet.
- A new Indigenous Health Navigator was developed to streamline workflow and improve usability.
- Use of Indigenous Health Provider Teams was implemented.
A 2-month post-implementation evaluation looked at several measures related to these changes and highlighted early indicators of the positive impact these changes have already made:
- Comprehensive documentation and increased tool usage - Usage of the Indigenous Health flowsheet more than doubled, and there was clear uptake of the new SmartText tool.
- Reduced documentation time - The average active time spent documenting in the flowsheet decreased by approximately 30%.
- Reduced cancelled consults - There was a 26% decrease in the number of cancelled consults.
- Improved timeliness in documentation - There was a significant reduction in documentation latency, i.e., the time between the patient encounter and documentation.
- Improved efficiency in consult completion - There was nearly a 70% reduction in time between consult and completion of encounter.
All together, these early indicators demonstrate that giving providers access to culturally inclusive documentation tools makes it easier to document care, reduces the time they spend doing so, lets them finish consults faster, and targets the right care to the right patient. Next steps in this initiative will include continued monitoring, gathering user feedback, and further refinement of the tools and workflow.
Congratulations to all who were involved in this excellent work!
2026-07-24
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- Taming In Basket Reminder - Removal of Results Messages Older Than 180 Days
- Home Care Update - CAM Phase of Care for Medication Administration Program
- APS Prescribers - Dual Signoff Summary Not Functioning As Expected
- Continuing Care Update - Renaming of LTC Admission Order Sets
- Anesthesia Updates:
- Tool Tune Up: July 2026 Order Tool Updates [updated July 23]
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
- Current issue: May/June 2026
- Note: The next issue will be published next week.
2026-07-15
Seeking PHA-Aligned Associate Chief Medical Information Officers
The Associate Chief Medical Information Officer (ACMIO) program within the Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) team at Health Shared Services (HSS) was originally structured to fit the zone-based model from when Alberta Health Services (AHS) was the Alberta provincial health authority, with each of the five ACMIO positions tied to a specific zone-oriented appointment. With the refocusing of Alberta's health system, including the creation of the new Provincial Health Agencies (PHAs) and transition away from zonal decision-making, the ACMIO program is being restructured to better align.
- The previous five zonal ACMIO positions, which currently represent only acute care due to the change in scope of AHS, are being revised to two ACMIO positions, both reporting to the Acute Care Alberta PHA:
- ACMIO, Acute Care - Medical Specialties
- ACMIO, Acute Care - Procedural Specialties
- Three new ACMIO positions are being introduced, each to represent a particular PHA:
- ACMIO, Assisted Living Alberta
- ACMIO, Primary Care Alberta
- ACMIO, Recovery Alberta
For a full description of the positions and to apply, see the relevant posting:
- Posting: Doctor Jobs Alberta – ACMIO, Acute Care - Medical Specialties
- Posting: Doctor Jobs Alberta – ACMIO, Acute Care - Procedural Specialties
- Posting: Doctor Jobs Alberta – ACMIO, Assisted Living Alberta
- Posting: Doctor Jobs Alberta – ACMIO, Primary Care Alberta
- Posting: Doctor Jobs Alberta – ACMIO, Recovery Alberta
- Contact: David.Pincock@healthsharedservices.ca
2026-07-10
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Dexcom G7 CGM Data Integration with Connect Care
- Provincial Enterprise Imaging (PACS) Scheduled Downtime (North, Edmonton, Central Zones) - July 14, 2026, 00:00-04:00
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- ED/UCC Adult Sepsis OPA Improvements
- New Neurosurgery Order Sets
- Updates to Bone Marrow Exam
- New date: Updates to Paraneoplastic Syndrome Plus Order
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
- Current issue: May/June 2026
- Note: The next issue will be published end of July.
2026-06-30
Dexcom G7 CGM Data Integration with Connect Care
Effective June 30, 2026, Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) data can be integrated into Connect Care. Dexcom G7 CGM systems provide real-time glucose readings, trends, and alerts for patients managing diabetes, and regularly reviewing these insights are critical for informed clinical decision-making and proactive care. This milestone marks a significant step forward in leveraging digital health tools to enhance provider efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
How to Initiate Data Sharing
Patients will need both an active MyChart account and a Dexcom account to facilitate data integration. Diabetes care team members will ask for verbal consent from the patient to share their Dexcom CGM data to Connect Care. Once verbal consent is obtained, prescribers or diabetes care team members will place a "MyChart Dexcom" order in Connect Care to request sharing of Dexcom CGM data from patients. This order will trigger a secure message to the patient via MyChart, prompting the patient to acknowledge and confirm consent to share their Dexcom CGM data with their care team.
What You Will See
Once the patient provides consent through their Dexcom account, standardized Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) metrics will be recorded directly in a dedicated flowsheet in their chart, including: CGM Report Range (date), CGM Use (%), GMI (%), Average Glucose (mmol/L), Coefficient of Variation (%), Time in Range (%), Time Very High (%), Time High (%), Time Low (%), and Time Very Low (%). This data can be accessed in the Diabetes Synopsis activity or within the Diabetes Management Navigator under "CGM Trend", or directly within the "Remote Monitoring Data Collection" flowsheet.
This streamlined access to AGP data supports more personalized and timely diabetes management without the need to access third-party websites to review data, or manual data transcription into Connect Care.
More Information
For step-by-step instructions, workflows, and best practices, please refer to the updated Endocrine and Diabetes Management Quick Start Guide (pages 33–37). For further assistance or additional training, please contact the CMIO Prescriber Experience Team at help.cmio@hssab.ca.
2026-06-26
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 28 Now Available
- Update for Mixed-Context Providers: ECG Written Reports via eDelivery
Connect Care Fax Application Delays - June 29-July 27, 2026[cancelled]- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- Updates to Paraneoplastic Syndrome Plus Order
- New Transfusion Appointment Request for PRN Blood Transfusions
- Update to Gemcitabine/Docetaxel Complex Therapy Plan
- Optimization Training - Classes in July 2026
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
- Current issue: May/June 2026
- Note: The next issue will be published end of July.
2026-06-19
Coming Soon for Mixed-Context Providers: ECG Written Reports via eDelivery
Effective June 23, 2026, when eDelivery is a provider’s preferred delivery method, ECG written reports (textual interpretation only) can be sent to the EMR of the ordering/authorizing provider and any copy-to providers. This change may impact providers who work in multiple locations, including those working exclusively in the community or in both community settings and Connect Care sites (“mixed-context providers”).
Key things to note about this change:
- No waveform tracings will be included in the reports sent to EMRs.
- Reports including waveform tracings will continue to be faxed according to current practice, and will remain available in Alberta Netcare.
- Mixed-context providers can request either their Connect Care location or their community location (via eDelivery and/or fax/mail) as their primary address. See the tip sheet for more information.
- To update your provider or clinic information and delivery preferences, please complete the Request for Provider Set-Up in Health Information Systems form.
For questions about results delivery, please contact the IT Service Desk and Provincial Solution Centre at 1-877-311-4300.
2026-06-15
Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 28 Now Available
Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, Between the Charts, summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:
- Coming soon:
- Conditional Discharge Workflow (June 16)
- Optimized workflows for unidentified patients (demographic updates/chart merges and Medical Certificate of Death) (June 16)
- ECG written reports via eDelivery (June 23)
- DI appointment patient-facing preparation information now on MyHealth.Alberta.ca
- In Basket update - changes to default display
- Update to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) orders
- Update for personalized ambulatory Notes speed buttons
- Fixative warning in Specimen Navigator for non-pathology specimen
- June Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes
- Reminders:
- Upcoming auto-expired Results message type removal from In Basket
- MyChart activations can now be done without a Connect Care workflow
- Recent BPMH optimizations
- Medical Certificate of Death workflow now digital
- Update made to Bridging Medications Supply tip sheet
- How to edit dictations with voice commands in Dragon Medical One
- Clinical Informatics Builder Team announcements
- And more!
The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual.
If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.
2026-06-12
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Coming Soon: Conditional Discharge Workflow
- Optimized Workflow for Unidentified (UNK) Patient Demographic Updates
- Reminder: Upcoming Downtime for Dell Thin Client Devices - June 18, 2026
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- New Leuprolide/Lupron Order Panel
- Updates to Iron Ferric Derisomaltose Therapy Plan
- Update for Personalized Notes Speed Buttons
- Updates to Pain Management Lidocaine and Ketamine Infusion Orders
- Lab Results Review Update - Microbiology
- Enhancement to Death Certification Workflow for Unidentified Patients
- Tool Tune Up: June 2026 Order Tool Updates
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
- Note: The next issue will be published Monday, June 15.
Optimized Workflow for Unidentified (UNK) Patient Demographic Updates
As part of the Connect Care initiative to improve patient identity accuracy and safety, an optimized workflow is being implemented to support real-time demographic updates and chart merges for unidentified (UNK, unknown) patients during active admissions (referred to as the "Optimized Anonymous Patient Workflow"). This process enables Health Information Management (HIM) to correct demographics and merge duplicate charts while care is ongoing, reducing risk and preserving chart integrity.
Following a successful pilot at select trauma sites, this workflow will be implemented across the remaining provincial sites on June 16, 2026. Note that, following implementation, HIM teams will complete demographic updates and merges Monday to Friday, 08:00–15:30, excluding statutory holidays.
What This Means for Prescribers
- In Basket message post-merge:
After a demographic update or chart merge, the Most Responsible Provider (MRP) will receive an In Basket notification prompting a review of the patient chart. This review is essential to ensure: - No clinical information is misplaced or misfiled
- Orders, results, and documentation remain accurate
- Any workflow impacts are identified and resolved quickly
- Chart advisories:
Connect Care advisories will indicate when a demographic update or merge has occurred, helping keep clinicians informed during the patient encounter. - Note: A separate enhancement has also been made to the workflow for completing a Medical Certificate of Death for patients who were unidentified at the time of admission. See the separate blog post for details.
Reporting Concerns
- Technical issues:
Contact the Provincial Solution Centre at 1-877-311-4300 and reference “Patient Merge and Demographics Update Problems.” - Patient safety concerns:
Submit through the Reporting & Learning System (RLS). Include the ServiceNow ticket number (if applicable) and select "Yes" for “Did digital health technology contribute to this event?”
Additional Resources
Coming Soon: Conditional Discharge Workflow
Following improvements made to discharge planning tools earlier this spring, as of June 16, 2026, a workflow for ordering conditional discharge will be available for most* Connect Care facilities.
2026-05-29
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Reminder: Medical Certificates of Death are Digital where Connect Care is the Record of Care
- Upcoming Downtimes for Dell Thin Client Devices - June 4, 11, 18, 2026
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- Anesthesia Update - New Chart Correction Tool
- New Adult Surgery Preprocedure Order Sets with Preselected Orders
- Adult Enteral Feeding (EN) Order Changes
- Fixative Warning in Specimen Navigator for Non-Pathology Specimen
- Postpartum Caesarean Order Set Update - Suture/Staple Removal Order Change
- New "This Visit" Activity for Orthopaedic Ambulatory Clinics
- Optimization Training - Classes in June 2026
- Tool Tune Up: May 2026 Order Tool Updates [updated May 21]
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
- Current issue: April 2026
- Note: The next issue will be published mid-June.
2026-05-15
Reminder: Medical Certificates of Death are Digital where Connect Care is the Record of Care
As previously posted, a digital workflow for completing a Medical Certificate of Death (MCoD) in Connect Care must be used by the most responsible physician or nurse practitioner whenever Connect Care is the record of care at the time of a patient's death.
Deceased information is automatically sent from Connect Care to Vital Statistics, with no need for paper certificates. Nothing needs to be printed for Funeral Homes or Vital Statistics.
Nursing units continue sending printed death information with a body on dispatch from the ward. Any associated printing is not a prescriber responsibility. The relevant report is available via the Media tab of the Chart Review activity in a patient chart.
- Note: From May 21, 2026, the 1-page death information report will be more clearly labelled (with embedded instructions) to further emphasize that it is not a death certificate.
Paper forms are being retired; stocks will not be replaced in facilities that use Connect Care as the record of care.
Some clinicians have wondered about specific workflows. Instructions are embedded in the Connect Care certification tools, and are available in the Connect Care Manual.
- Downtime: If a death occurs during a Connect Care downtime, responsible prescribers are advised to complete a digital death certificate after the downtime finishes.
- Unidentified patient: If a death occurs before a patient is identified ("unknown patient"), responsible prescribers are advised to wait for positive patient identification and the associated chart merge before completing a digital death certificate.
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last week. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- In Basket Update - Changes to Default Display
- Update to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Orders
- Anesthesia Update - Managing Patient-Reported Glucose Results
- Tool Tune Up: May 2026 Order Tool Updates
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
2026-05-08
On Other Channels...
Below is a digest of new blog posts across all the Connect Care clinician blog channels in the last 2 weeks. For more info on the blogs, click here.
- Bytes (general new items; this channel)
- Spring 2026 Upgrade
- Connect Care Scheduled Downtime and Spring Upgrade - Thursday May 14, 2026, 00:30-04:30
- Upcoming Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) Optimizations
- Connect Care Transparent Lockdown - May 8, 2026 13:00-04:30 May 14, 2026
- Improving Patient Flow: Tracking and Updating Telemetry and Isolation Status
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 27 Now Available
- Support (recent/upcoming system updates, optimization training opportunities)
- New Order Panel for Admitted Adult Patients on Hemodialysis
- Operating Room Flightboard Optimization (VOH sessions May 12, 14)
- Tool Tune Up: April 2026 Order Tool Updates
- Manual
- See What's New (updates and additions)
- Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers (current issue and archives)
2026-05-07
Upcoming Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) Optimizations
A Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) is needed whenever a patient presents to a Connect Care encounter from a setting (e.g., home or facility) not using the Connect Care clinical information system, and timely capture of a BPMH for medication reconciliation (med rec) is a Connect Care minimum use norm expectation. Alongside the Spring Upgrade occurring May 14, 2026, enhancements will be implemented for the BPMH section within Connect Care, to improve usability and workflow efficiency. These changes will not be summarized in the "What's New" tool being used for other changes included in the Spring Upgrade, but are detailed in demo videos and other resources, linked below. Users can preview the changes in the PLY/PLY2 environment and practice their workflows starting May 4.
What is changing?
These changes are intuitive but will affect the BPMH workflow for all specialties in inpatient, continuing care, and ambulatory care who have medication management within their scope.
- Ambulatory:
- The Medication Review section will be renamed "BPMH/Home Meds". It includes tools prescribers are likely already used to using, like those for marking taking statuses and changing a patient's preferred pharmacy. It includes new options to add multiple patient-reported medications at the same time, more information when flagging medications for removal, and observe medication interaction warnings without being required to act on them.
- The biggest change is the Informants grid, where prescribers will capture the two sources of information.
- Inpatient:
- The BPMH/Home Medication activity will still be accessed in the Admission Navigator.
- The biggest change is the Informants grid, where prescribers will capture the two sources of information.
- There will now also be speed buttons at the top to quickly "Mark Unselected Today", "Mark Unselected Yesterday", and "Mark Unselected Unknown".
- Prescribers can "Add Ongoing Comments" to capture information such as drug plan coverage, that will be visible across all encounters.
- The BPMH Completion Status options are also getting an update.
Resources
- Demo videos (new links):
- Spring Upgrade - BPMH Inpatient (2 min)
- Spring Upgrade - BPMH Ambulatory (1 min)
- Quick reference:
- Med rec walkthrough videos (4 parts) (new links):
- Chapter 1 - Med Rec Intro (1.5 min)
- Chapter 2 - Admission Med Rec (3 min)
- Chapter 3 - Discharge Med Rec (1 min)
- Chapter 4 - IFT Med Rec (1.5 min)
- Manual: Medication Reconciliation
- Insite: Required Organizational Practices - Medication Reconciliation Staff Education Tools
2026-04-30
Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 27 Now Available
Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, Between the Charts, summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:
- Spring Upgrade, transparent lockdown, and downtime (May 14)
- Coming soon: BPMH optimizations and ED Downtime Track Board (May 14)
- PIN and IMM/ARI viewers in Connect Care
- Update to admission/transfer Hospital Service listings
- New antibiotics order panel for admitted patients on hemodialysis
- New telemetry and isolation status Patient List columns
- STAT collection vs. STAT testing
- Encounter department for outgoing referrals
- Upskilling via Epic's SmartUser program
- Adding acronyms to custom DMO vocabulary
- Connecting personal devices to AHSRestrict
- May Optimization (a.k.a. Thrive) classes
- And more!
The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual.
If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.
Improving Patient Flow: Tracking and Updating Telemetry and Isolation Status
Connect Care provides tools to help prescribers facilitate efficient patient journeys through acute care facilities. This can start in emergency rooms where patients' admission needs are determined by considerations like cardiac monitoring and isolation for communicable disease risks.
Two new patient list columns can help emergency room consultants and admitting services match incoming patients with available inpatient resources.
- Telemetry Status (column ID = 304348154)
- Display: Icon shows if patient has an active order for telemetry (cardiac monitoring).
- Hover: Pop-up information about monitoring order and link to action telemetry.
- Double-click: Open chart to orders activity.
- Isolation Status (column ID = 3043460401)
- Display: Icon shows if patient has an active isolation order.
- Hover: Current isolation status and link to open a discontinue isolation order.
- Double-click: Open pop-up window with more information about isolation status, results of respiratory infection screening, and link to isolation order.
Either column can be added to any patient list. Both are part of the "++AHS ED MD CONSULTS++ provincial Patient List Template, which can be applied to personal lists to automatically set up the above columns in addition to other columns useful for admission planning in Emergency contexts.