Population Health and Strategic Direction
Information Management Unit
Sydney West Area Health Service has a strong commitment to effective management of information within a cohesive and transparent framework that will contribute to achievement of organisational goals and objectives of the CARE First Program.
To assist managers and clinicians in managing and achieving quality information, SWAHS has established the Information Management Unit (IMU). This Unit is the core vehicle for provision of a clearly defined framework and governance structure for cohesive management of clinical and corporate information, from both a governance and operational perspective.
Role of IMU
The focus of the Unit will be on information systems (both manual and electronic), data quality and processes management. This will encompass:
-
Documentation of the set of key (to be defined) information flows within SWAHS and between SWAHS and other organisations. The aim being to make these flows explicit, streamlined and effective
-
Development of an Area Information Management Strategy to improve and maintain information processes. This will include a framework and policy infrastructure that is driven by the health care and service priorities and business information needs
-
Development of an information management structure that ensures secure and efficient management of high quality information, whilst providing appropriate access in the bounds of privacy
-
Ensuring information management supports a continuum of care in service provision and clinical decision making
-
Promoting effective and efficient use of IT to support information management
-
Management of the non-IT, or business, components of Area ‘mission critical’ information systems, in particular the Patient Administration Systems [PAS]. I.e. HOSPAS and i.PM)
Structure of IMU
The organisational structure of the Unit is still under development, however it is envisaged that the Unit will have two divisions – these being corporate information and clinical information. Both divisions have a key role in strategic and governance functions and also relevant operational functions within the Unit’s scope.
The Corporate Information Division has a primary focus on ensuring that SWAHS complies with corporate statutory and other governance obligations and meets its legislative obligations in relation to the Health Records and Information Privacy Act (NSW) 2002, the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (NSW) 1998, the State Records Act (NSW) 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act (NSW) 1989. Its main role relates to corporate information strategy and compliance. However, it also has a role in ensuring a common infrastructure to underpin the corporate governance functions across SWAHS, for example, TRIM electronic records management system and an operational role in processing FOI applications and handling privacy complaints.
The Clinical Information Division has its focus on setting standards, business analysis, and determining requirements in respect of how SWAHS should function in relation to clinical information and clinical information systems to meet business priorities. There is, therefore, a strong focus on strategy and governance relating to compliance with these standards. This division also has a significant operational function in relation to health care records management (Health Information and Record Services), data and PAS management, including business processes and analysis in relation to the Admitted Patient Data Collection and its capture in PAS, and unique patient identification (UPI).
Information Management Unit Contact
Name |
Role |
|
Lynne Paine |
A/Director Information Management |
