Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) in Gaborone, Botswana has achieved a major milestone with the successful implementation of MEDITECH Expanse, a revolutionary Electronic Health Record (EHR) platform. This significant accomplishment highlights SKMTH's dedication to advancing healthcare delivery and enhancing patient outcomes.
The Expanse project launched in March 2024 with a goal of providing SKMTH with a fully integrated EHR solution that would streamline operations and enhance clinical workflows. Despite challenges such as short timelines and limited availability of key team members, the implementation was successfully completed in November 2024. "This accomplishment reflects the dedication and collaboration between SKMTH staff and MEDITECH experts, which was crucial to the success of the project." says Tumi Tshabalala, PMO Director, MEDITECH SA.
"I am incredibly proud of our MEDITECH teams in Botswana and South Africa for providing invaluable guidance and unwavering support throughout the entire process. Their passion, dedication, and exceptional teamwork were evident in every interaction."
The implementation of Expanse has transformed nursing processes by centralising patient data, streamlining workflows, and improving efficiency. Features like the patient portal actively engage patients in their care journey by giving them access to valuable health information. The system’s paperless capabilities reduce administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on patient care. Expanse also enhances coordination, communication, and decision-making by tracking patient journeys seamlessly from admission to discharge, ultimately improving the quality and delivery of patient care.
Dr. Kagiso Ndlovu, Health Informatics Manager for SKMTH, reflects on the achievement.
"What a privilege it has been to serve as the Project Manager for the first Expanse system implementation at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. Expanse simplifies healthcare coordination by enhancing access to historical patient data and ensuring essential information is readily available for strategic decision-making. With its centralised database, Expanse securely stores, accesses, and shares patient data, ultimately improving the quality and delivery of care. The system tracks the entire patient journey, from admission to discharge, including billing information, further streamlining processes and enhancing overall patient care at SKMTH."According to Tumelo Morapedi from SKMTH’s laboratory team, the impact of Expanse extends beyond nursing, with significant improvements in laboratory operations.
"Since our launch, we have seen remarkable improvements in our laboratory workflow. The system's intuitive design and robust features have minimised manual errors and enhanced turnaround times, leading to faster and more accurate diagnostics. Overall, the Expanse project has added significant value to our laboratory and the entire hospital, boosting operational efficiency, improving patient outcomes, and positioning us for future advancements in healthcare technology. I am proud to be part of this transformative journey and look forward to the continued success and benefits it will bring."
The implementation of MEDITECH Expanse at SKMTH is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, collaboration, and innovative technology. The platform is not only transforming day-to-day operations but also laying the foundation for future advancements in healthcare delivery at SKMTH.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare in Botswana,” said MEDITECH South Africa Managing Director Dr. Sushanth Pillai.