A WORD FROM JENN SEARLS:

Growing Connections, Advancing Healthcare in Connecticut

This past quarter has been full of growth and excitement for Connie. I'm thrilled to share the important progress we’ve made over the last three months. 

Even though the official date for applying to begin the process of connecting to Connie has passed (May 3, 2023), we continue to see organizations affirming their commitment to improving patient care through connecting with Connie. Over the past year, we’ve reached out to over 5,000 organizations, and an impressive 75% of them are committed to connecting with Connie. Now the next step of interfacing with more than 250 different EMR systems begins so we can reach our promise of a better-connected and more efficient healthcare system in Connecticut. 

The good news doesn't stop with our outreach success. As healthcare groups and providers use Connie in their daily work, we’ve seen a significant increase in users and data on the Connie system. Last quarter, 245 organizations contributed data to Connie, and there were 1,539 more users compared to 1,013 the quarter before – a growth rate of 51%! We expect to see these numbers continue to grow as we move organizations through the onboarding process to begin contributing and accessing data to and through Connie. 

Consistent with Connie’s mandate to provide patients with a complete medical record across all healthcare provider settings, we have held a series of community forums with behavioral health providers. We believe that integrating behavioral health data with medical data is the right thing to do for patients and providers. That said, we recognize that there are additional privacy and security considerations that impact a provider’s connections to Connie. Through our forums, we’ve provided detailed information about how Connie honors patients’ privacy, maintains their confidentiality, and secures the data with which we’ve been entrusted. Our goal is to increase understanding about what it means to connect to Connie. 

While we have been busy working to connect providers to Connie, we continue to enhance the features of the tools we have. Recently, we’ve rolled out a Problems section within the Clinical Information app on the portal and within the InContext app. The data that populates the Problems section is parsed from the Continuity of Care Documents (CCDs) that Connie receives from most of its connected organizations. By pulling the problems list and consolidating it in one section, we’ve saved providers from having to open multiple CCDs per patient to get a comprehensive view of their patients’ problem lists. We’ve also created a Social Needs section within our tool. The Social Needs section similarly collates social needs information pulled from Admit, Discharge, and Transfer (ADTS) feeds that we receive from our participating organizations. These updates give providers helpful insights and let them make better decisions for patients, all in one convenient spot. 

We also continue our work towards providing patients access to their own medical records through Connie. We're looking into the technical and policy details to make sure this happens in line with patient access and interoperability rules. We're excited to offer this to Connecticut patients. 

With many projects in progress and exciting updates on connectivity and usage, I'm even more thankful for the teamwork from our connected groups and the dedication of the Connie team. I'm proud to share the results of these efforts. Thank you all for being a crucial part of Connie's journey as we work together to shape a healthier, more connected future for healthcare in Connecticut.  

NEW PARTICIPANTS ARE JOINING CONNIE EVERY DAY!

We are thrilled to share with you that as of August 2023, we have established connections with hundreds of participating organizations (POs) that securely exchange data for over 4.4 million patients through Connie. We would like to highlight some of our recently onboarded partners who are actively sharing data via our Health Information Exchange. Don't forget to explore our Connected Participating Organizations Dashboard to view our continuously growing list of connected organizations and discover the valuable data they contribute!

HARNESSING THE POWER OF CONNIE

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, technology continues to reshape how medical professionals access and leverage critical patient data. Among these remarkable advancements, Image Share takes center stage, revolutionizing how healthcare providers interact with diagnostic images and reports. With instantaneous access through Connie, Image Share offers a distinct opportunity to enhance patient care and diagnostic accuracy for professionals who are already seamlessly integrated into the network. 

Unlocking Near Real-Time Insights 

Imagine authorized healthcare providers gaining access to diagnostic-quality images and reports right after conducting an exam. This scenario is now a reality with Image Share, an ingenious service that empowers connected healthcare organizations with near real-time image information within the Connie Portal and InContext app. This innovation eradicates the traditional waiting period associated with image transfers and physical copies of patient images, equipping healthcare professionals to provide rapid, informed, and precise diagnoses. 

Seamless Access and Collaboration 

The allure of Image Share lies in its effortless integration into the Connie ecosystem. For those who are already connected and actively participating in Connie, accessing and reviewing patient images is a seamless experience through the Connie Portal and InContext app. This streamlined approach facilitates efficient viewing, comparison, collaboration, and image transfer, all within a unified platform. The era of fragmented image management and disparate systems evolves into a harmonious, collaborative approach that prioritizes both patient care and diagnostic precision. 

Image Share by the Numbers 

Image Share has rapidly evolved into a network of excellence, uniting 16 leading healthcare organizations across the state. This consortium collectively shares nearly 200,000 images each month, bringing together esteemed institutions including: 



• Nuvance Health (New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, Danbury Hospital, Sharon Hospital) 
• Bristol Health 
• Yale New Haven Health (Yale New Haven Hospital, Bridgeport Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Lawrence and Memorial Hospital) 
• UConn Health 
• Naugatuck Valley Radiology Associates 
• Prospect Waterbury Hospital 
• Greater Waterbury Imaging Center 
• Diagnostic Radiology Associates 
• Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center 
• Valley Imaging Partners 

Empowering Providers Through Functionality 

Image Share's functionality encompasses three pivotal elements, each tailored to empower healthcare providers:

• Report-level Viewing: Providers can seamlessly access patient images while reviewing corresponding Radiology or Cardiology reports, fostering a comprehensive understanding of each case. 
• Imaging Worklist: This feature empowers providers to compare images from various organizations contributing to Connie, cultivating an environment of comprehensive analysis. 
• Transfer to PACS: With additional permissions, users can effortlessly download external images from the imaging worklist to their local PACS, enhancing storage and accessibility while ensuring that tests are not duplicated, ultimately benefiting patients. 

Accessible Archives for Informed Decision-Making 

Image Share caters to both immediate needs and historical insights. Images captured within the last 90 days are instantly available to authorized Connie users. Meanwhile, deeper archives containing images older than 90 days can be queried and retrieved on demand, ensuring a comprehensive perspective for well-informed decision-making.

Advancing Healthcare Through Image Share 

As Image Share continues to reshape the healthcare landscape, its benefits to both providers and patients remain undeniable. This journey exemplifies the innovative spirit propelling Connecticut's healthcare ecosystem forward. Help us spread the word about Image Share's capabilities with our printable overview and training video!

Ready to Harness the Power of Image Share? 

Leverage the power of near real-time access to diagnostic images and reports, seamlessly integrated into the patient clinical record within the Connie portal and InContext App. Elevate patient care and precision in diagnosis, capitalizing on the transformative capabilities that Image Share brings to the table. There's no need for additional steps; simply access the portal or app you already have at your fingertips and unlock a new dimension of healthcare excellence. 

CHECK OUT OUR LATEST PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIAL

"Integration with Connie allows organizations to share clinical information safely, securely, and efficiently with community providers, putting the information at their fingertips when it is most needed. Connie can be leveraged during major disasters to minimize delays in access to critical clinical information and to expedite the coordination of patient transfers should evacuations become necessary. Reducing the time it takes to access patient records during critical or emergent events of any scale helps to ensure safe continuity of care."

Kurt A. Barwis, FACHE | President & CEO | Bristol Health

INTRODUCING A NEW POSITION:

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS TRAINER

We're excited to introduce Erin Tyrol as our new Clinical Applications Trainer at Connie. In this essential role, Erin plays a key part in empowering Participating Organizations (POs) through personalized educational sessions. These sessions help POs harness the full potential of Connie Portal and InContext functionalities, leading to enhanced patient care and outcomes. 

Leveraging her background as a trainer, medical assistant, and practice manager at ProHealth, Erin equips POs with valuable insights into Connie, comprehensive demonstrations of its functionalities, and provides both customer and technical support through Q&A sessions. This approach builds confidence in using the HIE. Erin goes the extra mile by offering ongoing assistance and resources even after the demonstrations to ensure POs are utilizing Connie's services to the fullest. 

Moreover, Erin evaluates how organizations are currently utilizing Connie tools, identifying areas of underutilization. With these insights, she devises strategic plans to optimize the use of Connie's features among connected organizations. 

We're thrilled to welcome Erin aboard and are confident that her expertise and dedication to empowering POs will have a positive impact on our HIE community. To schedule a training session with Erin, reach out to her directly at [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Now Live:

Advance Health Care Directives on Connie

We are excited to announce that Connie's Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD) service is officially live! Treating providers can now access a patient's directives that have been previously registered with ADVault's My Directives service. These directives are readily available within the patient's clinical information on both InContext and the Connie portal, accessible by clicking on the "Care Coordination" tab. Providers can view, print, and save directives conveniently through Connie.

Please be aware that this service is not a state-wide AHCD registry, and the directives found on Connie may not always reflect the most recent or complete directive for a patient. Nonetheless, it significantly enhances access to directives registered through connected third-party organizations and enables a patient's treating providers to adhere to internal protocols concerning healthcare decisions for their patients.

See the Advanced Directives Overview for more information! 

WELCOME OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS

We're excited to introduce three valuable additions to our Connie team. Bethany Mifsud, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has joined us as the Connie Account Manager, dedicated to bridging the gap between behavioral health and physical health. Kaitlyn Kilcrease, our new Outreach and Integration Coordinator, brings her prior Connie experience and a passion for assisting providers. Erin Tyrol, the Clinical Applications Trainer, is embracing each day as an opportunity for growth and learning, adding her enthusiasm to our team's mission of enhancing patient care. Together with our existing team members, we're all working towards our shared goal of making a difference in healthcare. Welcome to the team, Bethany, Kaitlyn, and Erin!

I look forward to working with the team at Connie to assist with bridging the gap between behavioral health and physical health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am passionate about reducing stigma while improving the overall health of the community. I am ecstatic to be given the opportunity to join and learn from such a dedicated company and team!

I am excited to enhance my skillset and better support providers in my new position! With prior work experience at Connie, I'm confident that I will be in good hands with my team. Everyone here collaborates wonderfully and is always ready to help. The learning never stops, and that's just the way I like it. Connie truly offers a unique experience!

Working with Connie so far has been amazing. I’ve conquered new challenges and learned new things every day. I’ve never worked with a team that was so positive, driven, and encouraging. They truly want to make a difference and improve patient care. It’s a very rewarding job, and I feel honored to be part of such an amazing team!

CELEBRATING CONNIE ANNIVERSARIES

We're thrilled to celebrate the work anniversaries of three remarkable team members at Connie! Michelle Puhlick has dedicated four years of her outstanding contributions to our organization, while Amanda Crociata marks her two-year milestone. Alex Hughes, one of our newest members, celebrates her fist year with Connie! We've asked Michelle, Amanda, and Alex to reflect on their experiences and share the greatest lessons learned during their time here. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication!

Working at Connie fills my cup in more ways than one! From having an amazing team of coworkers who are supportive of one another to working with providers and hearing their excitement as they gain access to data they've never had before, I'm looking forward to continuing to grow within my position at Connie.

I came to Connie with no previous experience working in the HIT/HIE space. During my two years here, I have learned so much from the knowledgeable and supportive team, and I am grateful to work with such a talented group of people. Every single member of the Connie Team is passionate and enthusiastic about achieving our goal of increasing access to healthcare data for both providers and patients in the state to improve patient outcomes!

Four years ago, I joined the effort to launch Connecticut's health information exchange. In that time, I've witnessed Connie's growth and its commitment to delivering on the mission of enhancing the health and well-being of CT residents. Here's to more great years ahead and to continuing our partnership with our fantastic team to make a positive impact!