As health information increasingly transitions into the digital landscape, it becomes crucial to uphold data integrity, streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and maintain standardization in digital health. Brittany Roming is a dedicated advocate for digital health and a certified health information management professional. Serving as a practice advisor with the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) program, Brittany provides valuable insights on the evolution of digital health tools, the challenges associated with the shift from paper to digital records, and the future of healthcare information management.

Brittany’s career journey, progressing from a medical administrative assistant to a pivotal role in championing and implementing EMR systems across Saskatchewan, sheds light on the complexities of adopting new technologies in health care settings. Her experience underscores the significance of data standardization and explores the potential of artificial intelligence and interoperability to revolutionize patient care.

Join Kelly Wilson as she engages in a conversation with Brittany Roming, delving into the journey of a health information management (HIM) professional navigating the intersection of health information management and technological advancement. Discover the profound impact this work has on physicians, patients, and the broader healthcare system.

The Role of a Practice Advisor

As a practice advisor, Brittany explains that her primary role involves effectively assisting physicians and their staff in utilizing electronic medical records (EMR). This includes enhancing practice efficiency, reducing administrative burdens, and integrating services with other health system partners. Brittany describes her position as involving a variety of different areas, highlighting the multifaceted nature of her role and its direct impact on improving health care delivery.

The Journey to Digital Health

Reflecting on her career, Brittany recalls her early days as a medical administrative assistant, where she was first exposed to the benefits of EMR systems. The contrast between the digital efficiency in clinics and the paper-heavy processes in hospitals motivated her to become a champion for digital health. “The digital data is where I found a connection,” she shares, emphasizing her passion for leveraging technology to enhance data effectively.

According to Brittany, one of the biggest challenges in transitioning to an electronic medical record is the time required for change management and the need to standardize data entry. Despite these challenges, Brittany is excited about the potential of EMRs to improve patient care through better data management and sharing. “Going beyond a single patient encounter,” she states, excites her the most. “Depending on how EMRs are created, there is the opportunity to graph a trend in a patient’s lab work and share data with other health care providers, which helps physicians understand more about their patient population.”

Looking ahead, Brittany hopes to see increased interoperability and is curious about the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within the health care system. She believes these innovations can significantly enhance the efficiency and quality of patient care. “I’m hopeful that AI tools can be utilized to benefit both the healthcare provider and patient. Some physicians are already discussing tools like AI Scribes,” Brittany remarks, showcasing her forward-thinking approach to health care technology.

Beyond her professional achievements, Brittany shares how she maintains a healthy work-life balance, with hobbies like weightlifting and gardening playing a role in her well-being. Her volunteer work with a rescue for street cats reflects her compassionate nature and dedication to positively impacting her community.

Closing Remarks

As our interview comes to an end, Brittany’s passion for her work and her vision for the future of health care information management shine through. Brittany Roming’s career story stands as a testament to how health information management professionals embrace the transformative power of digital innovation in healthcare.

Biography

Certified in Health Information Management (CHIM) in 2022, Brittany Roming (she/her/hers) leverages her background to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront of health care’s digital integration.