The CHIMA BCYT (British Columbia and Yukon) Chapter held a chapter education day on Friday, March 31, 2023. The event took place at Douglas College, and Michael McGill, CHIM, CIAPP-C, was the emcee for the day.

Dr. Pamela Cawley, Dean of Health Sciences at Douglas College, opened the day with a land recognition statement and noted the importance of health information professionals in health care. This was followed by opening remarks from the CEO and Registrar of CHIMA and the College, Jeff Nesbitt, MBA, ICD.D.

The first session was focused on a study conducted by Ruhina Rana, RN, BSN, BA, MN, Janessa Griffith, BA, MSc, PhD, and Pat Visosky, CHIM, MHI, DHealth (Informatics). This study researched the changing field of health information, the roles available for HIM students upon graduation, and the skills necessary for them to function in these roles.

Deputy Commissioner, Policy, Adjudication, and Audit, Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jeannette Van Den Bulk, gave a presentation on the 2021 FOIPPA amendments, which include mandatory breach reporting, privacy management programs for public bodies, increased penalties for offences, and the addition of Indigenous cultural protections. More information can be found at oipc.bc.ca.

In a fireside chat with coding directors and managers from BC’s health authorities, participants gained insights into the challenges faced and lessons learned in implementing new software.

Michael McGill facilitated this chat, engaging the panellists in discussions on data capture processes, staffing challenges, future expectations, and lessons learned from onboarding CAC (computer-assisted coding). The panellists in this session were Michelle Bamford, BS/BM (Manager, Clinical Information Support, Island Health), Andrea Lorette, CHIM (Information Governance Lead, Northern Health), T.J. Jagpal, CHIM (Coding and Informatics Coordinator – BH, CGH, ERH, FCH, RCH, Fraser Health) and Jane Chen, CHIM (Regional Manager, Coding Information Systems and Projects, Fraser Health).

Another session highlighting the importance of getting quality and accurate data was co-facilitated by Victoria Casas-Alcuaz, MSN, RN, CCRP (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Frail Elderly-Older Adult Network, Fraser Health), Hanifa Ladhani, CHIM, CCDIS (Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist, Health Information Management, Coding and Informatics, Fraser Health), Ivanna Smetanska, MA, CHIM (Douglas College graduate, Project Coordinator, MOSAIC), and Pat Visosky, CHIM, MHI, DHealth (Informatics) (Program Coordinator, Department of Health Information Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Douglas College).

The session focused on the findings from a quality improvement project on delirium. It noted the key characteristics and factors impacting the treatment of patients with delirium. Students of the HIM diploma program at Douglas College worked closely with health care providers and project coordinators to understand the peculiarities and main requirements of the project.

Finally, Angela Tecson, RN, BSN, (Masters in Statistics Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and IHI Improvement Advisor, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Quality and Patient Safety) shared data visualization and reporting tips and urged participants to advocate for their importance beyond data collection.

Prizes were won by five participants, and one lucky member received a one-year ATLS membership. Other highlights of the day include a yoga session, breakfast and lunch, networking opportunities, and education question-and-answer sessions that revealed the myriad career opportunities for health information professionals.

CHIMA appreciates our host (Douglas College) and sponsors (H.I.M. on Call, Med2020, and the Canadian Institute for Health Information) for a successful event.