BreastScreen Victoria goes digital

BreastScreen Victoria (BSV), the Victorian Government’s breast cancer screening organisation, has partnered with Vitro Software in a shift towards full electronic records management.

Following a successful pilot at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, BSV’s paper-based records system will transform to a complete digital system, including processes for mammography and ultrasound. Using the new system, BSV’s clinical team will be able to track client progress in real time during assessment, improving workflow and enabling the clinical team to assume responsibility for electronic record keeping.

The digital system was developed through co-design, testing and implementation by BSV’s radiologists, radiographers, nurse counsellors, data and administrative staff in collaboration with the Vitro Software team.

St Vincent’s BreastScreen Clinical Director, Dr Helen Frazer, is enthusiastic about Vitro’s role as a central mechanism of the organisation’s client-centric care strategy.

“Our clinicians quickly experienced the benefits of Vitro, a flexible system designed specifically for the breast assessment service,” Dr Frazer said.

“Our clinicians found the software easy to use, and our team found that the time taken to issue written results reduced from 12 days to one or two. The new digital whiteboard has improved patient flow, providing for a better experience for both patients and staff,” she said.

The success of the pilot program has informed the decision to expand the paperless system to the rest of BSV. Over the coming months, further development is planned in preparation for a state-wide expansion.

“We are delighted with the success to date and look forward to completing the next stage of our transition to electronic records management for all clients,” said BSV Director of Information Technology Services Georgina Marr.

“We really valued the commitment, expertise and pragmatic approach of the Vitro project team who worked in partnership with us to deliver the solution.”

BSV CEO Vicki Pridmore added, “Our team were on board from the start and it is with thanks to them and the Vitro Software team that we have seen such success. Part of that success has involved a huge shift in the elimination of physical records management, leaving our staff and clinicians the time to provide an even better experience and quality of care to a greater number of clients.”

David Nash, Global CEO of Vitro Software, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with BreastScreen Victoria, who are at the cutting edge of breast cancer screening in Australia. We see this contract as the start of a long partnership with BreastScreen Victoria and a first step for Vitro Software to expand into the screening area both in Australia and globally.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Jonny McCullagh