A thank you message from our outgoing chapter chair

As my term as chapter chair comes to an end, I want to thank the BCYT chapter members for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. It has been a valuable experience, both personally and professionally.

CHIMA is a well-respected and highly regarded association, and it has been such an honor just to be a part of a leadership team that continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the profession. CHIMA’s reputation is enhanced by the many health information management professionals who contribute their time and expertise to advancing the association and the industry. I have been fortunate to have worked closely with such quality committee members and appreciate all they’ve done during my term.

The BCYT chapter committee accomplishments over the past few years have been impressive, and it was truly a team effort. There have been so many noteworthy moments. We look forward to some first-time new accomplishments—sold out events, CPE activities, and much more. I truly believe this is the result of listening to the members input, focusing on their needs first, and providing quality education sessions.

There is so much more outstanding work planned for 2020 and beyond. I look forward to continuing to support the BCYT chapter’s leadership and, in particular, our incoming chapter chair Kait Greer. Kait will continue to chart the future path of the chapter. Kait has served on the BCYT chapter since 2019 and her background and expertise in health information management have made her the outstanding leader she is today. The chapter could not be in more capable hands.

Again, thank you to the BCYT chapter members for allowing me the opportunity to serve; I walk away with memories and friendships that I will forever cherish.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Page

Bright spots during the outbreak

It’s easy to get anxious amid all the pandemic news; however, trying times have also become an opportunity to do good. Here’s a round-up of some of the positive initiatives that have occurred around BC and Yukon:

• The newly formed Yukon Chef Collective is making delicious meals to deliver to the Whitehorse food bank. With monetary support from GoFundMe and food donations from restaurants, the chefs are donating their time to ensure there is continued access to good food for those who need it. Read more here.

• Experiencing local arts for free is easier than ever! The Yukon Arts Centre will be streaming concerts from the arts centre and at-home performances.  The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has also been streaming various orchestras since mid-March.

• Two Yukon citizens are promoting social connections while respecting the rules of physical distancing in an unconventional video. Against a beautiful snowy backdrop, one breaks out in Bhangra dance while the other plays the bagpipes—all while six feet apart!

• “Caremongering” groups are popping up throughout Canada, including in BC and Yukon, to spread kindness during this difficult time. Search for your local group on Facebook!

• The Vancouver Canucks have been doing their part to help those in need during the pandemic. They created a COVID-19 relief program, raising money through raffles and preparing hot meals in Rogers Arena for the downtown east side.

• A project to honour frontline workers has started in Dawson City, Yukon. Hundreds of people have volunteered to make beaded pins for health care workers as a show of community support.

• Local artists are putting a positive spin on the boarded-up walls of closed shops. Murals honouring health care workers, including portraits of top health officers in the nation, are popping around Vancouver.

A student perspective during COVID-19

– Grace Wang, CHIMA student member

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Douglas College courses were transferred to online learning in mid-March. With the coordinating and help of all faculty staff, students in the HIM program finished all courses successfully. Looking back to the past year, along with study of regular courses, there were some learning activities that helped enhance the understanding of the health information management industry.

Some students joined the internship at BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital and enjoyed the guest speakers’ presentations from various departments. Some students gained related knowledge and hands-on experience through working on the UTI project in different facilities. In addition, some professionals were invited to present health care information knowledge and development directions. They also shared valuable career experience with us. Some of the presentations were open to both year one and year two students, which were good opportunities to communicate together.

There were two practicums in the second year. During coding practicum II, we were able to review and practice CIHI coding standards through coding real patients’ charts and learning from instructors. Now we are focusing on HIM practicum II. Moving forward, we wish everyone the best of luck.

We are there for our communities

– Dennis Lu, CHIMA student member

We acknowledge all health care professionals and thank you for your services. Since the COVID-19 outbreak began in January, health care professionals have been standing by 24/7 for our communities.

At the beginning of April, the clinical clerk of the LMC – Health Information Management has been redeploying personnel to assist hospitals that are in need, including screening clients at the main entrance, signing out PPE for nurses and physicians, and even helping other clinical services.

I was redeployed to support the Fraser Health: Burnaby Home Health Office, which provides long-term care, assisted living, home-care nursing, end-of-life care, and physical and occupational therapy. 

Home Health Services is using the Paris system for dictating the information but is not scanning hydrated service. Therefore, during the redeployment, we are utilizing our knowledge and profession for managing the discharges by assembling paper charts in an old-fashioned way and ensuring the documents are put in place promptly. It was an excellent opportunity to support other health care colleagues.

There are opportunities for collaboration with stakeholders on building e-health between Home Health Service and Health Information Management Services.