The Electronic Optometric Medical Record: The Roadmap towards Paperless Practice

Maher Shinouda
EMR Project Leader School of Optometry
University of Waterloo

November 9, 2005
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Davis Centre 1304, University of Waterloo

View Video of Presentation in HI Alive Archive: Research Seminars Archive 2005-2006

Abstract
Most healthcare organizations endure paper-based records that limit their ability to access, manage and maintain clinical information. The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) promises to deliver higher quality patient care records and quick and reliable access to clinical information. The Institute of Medicine views the EMR as “the most essential of all elements of modern healthcare.”

Optometrists at the UW School of Optometry recognized the significant positive potential of the EMR in the Optometry Clinic, and agree on its advantages over the paper record. However, finding, selecting and implementing the right system to address the clinical, business and administrative needs of the School within its budget requires the rigorous and thorough investigation and evaluation of available alternatives. In this presentation, I will articulate the methodological approach we have taken to evaluating, selecting, and implementing an EMR system for the Optometry Clinic.

Biosketch
Maher Shinouda is the Project Leader for the implementation of the EMR system in the School of Optometry at UW. Maher received his Master of Mathematics, Computer Science (with specialization in Health Informatics) from the University of Waterloo. His research interests are in Software Engineering and in the design and implementation of the EMR. Maher has a B. Sc. in Computing & Information Science from the University of Guelph and a B. Sc. Degree in Veterinary Medicine. He has experience in research, in software development, and in teaching. Maher is a member of the AMIA and COACH. He is an active member of the Waterloo Institute of Health Informatics Research (WIHIR) and the Research Seminar leader of the Health Informatics research seminar series at the University of Waterloo.