To ensure harmonization, quality, and safety of care, the Abbeville Hospital has undertaken the computerization of its two critical care departments. As part of a convergence approach across its Hospital Group (GHT), the Diane software suite from BOW MEDICAL has been deployed in these departments. Cyril DUFLOT, CIO of Abbeville Hospital, discusses the details of this deployment.
Meeting Certification Requirements: The Goal of Computerization
Until a few months ago, the two critical care departments (the ICU and the anaesthesia department) at Abbeville Hospital were still operating on paper.
“We needed to computerize these two departments. The hospital’s goal was to have a tool that met all the expressed needs of the users, providing a comprehensive software dedicated to critical care that also allows for the preservation of biomedical data.”
Cyril Duflot (CIO of Abbeville Hospital)
When choosing the software, the IT team at Abbeville Hospital consulted various vendors, but ultimately decided to work towards convergence at the GHT level, meaning they would use the same software as the Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, the support facility for the Somme Littoral Sud GHT.
“Critical care practitioners are often required to move within the region, and our goal was for them to find the same software in all the GHT facilities. It was important for us to harmonize practices to enhance safety and avoid software changes, which could pose risks in terms of continuity and follow-up.”
Cyril Duflot (CIO of Abbeville Hospital)
The deployment of the Diane software suite (Diane Poa, Diane Aims, and Diane Icu) began in November 2023 with a short-term goal.
“Our goal within the hospital was to complete this deployment in time for the certification audit, initially scheduled for early 2024. We didn’t start from scratch, but rather from the configuration used at the Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, which we reconfigured and adapted to our structure in collaboration with our practitioners. This saved us time.”
Configuration and Deployment: Key Steps in Computerization
In advance, the IT team worked on interfacing the Diane modules with the hospital’s EHR.
“To ensure optimal load quality and efficient care follow-up, we wanted continuity between Diane and our EHR, Dx-Care.” Today, a data summary is directly transmitted into the EHR.
During the implementation phase, BOW MEDICAL teams were on-site to support the use of the tools and train stakeholders. Deadlines were met, and professionals quickly began using the software in the departments.
Today, to ensure quality, the hospital’s IT team also provides users with a technician trained in programming the Diane modules to configure or adapt the solution as needed.
However, a word of caution: computerization requires that tools or equipment communicate. “These changes weren’t always easy,” notes the CIO. “They required dialogue, especially with biomedical equipment suppliers. And on this point, I commend the support of the BOW MEDICAL teams.”
Users: Adoption and Staff Training
“Users are satisfied with the tool. The deployment of these modules has not only met their needs in terms of safety, traceability, and efficiency but also modernized the digital operations of the departments, such as by installing computers in all the rooms.”
The IT team also implemented a simple and effective authentication solution for professionals. “Users are more easily embracing the tools, evolving with the system, and seeing the benefits of computerization on the quality of care.”
“In summary, we’ve gained 10 years of modernity in just a few months!”
Cyril Duflot
CIO of Abbeville Hospital
While changes in practice can sometimes cause concerns or resistance, the CIO believes the “big bang” deployment had a beneficial effect. “Users are more easily embracing the tools, evolving with the system, and seeing the benefits of computerization on the quality of care.”
What’s Next? The Future of Abbeville Hospital
The hospital is working on continuity of medication management through an interface that will link Diane with Dx-Care.
Another upcoming project is the computerization of the obstetric unit, the last part of the hospital yet to be digitized. Diane Nicu, a module that allows monitoring of women in labour and newborns, will soon be offered to users (gynecologists, obstetricians, and midwives), to implement it in 2025.
About Bow Medical
Bow Medical is a leading European company specializing in software for critical care.
For over 20 years, Bow Medical has been designing the Diane software platform to improve and secure critical care in anaesthesia and intensive care.
The provision of software solutions for critical care management is a specific patient record segment requiring strong industry expertise.
Its digitization brings added value focused on performance, reliability, security, and time optimization.
More than 450 hospitals and clinics use our software daily, with 5 million annual anaesthesia consultations performed in Diane Poa (approximately 70% of computerized consultations in France).
Over 3,000 operating rooms are equipped with Diane Aims, and more than 1,200 intensive care beds facilitate patient care through Diane Icu.
