How to Choose an EHR for Eye Care: Try Cellma
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents The need for efficient, specialised electronic health records (EHRs) in Ophthalmology has never been greater. As one of the busiest specialties in the NHS, Ophthalmology handles over 500,000 operations annually and 7.5 million outpatient appointments according to GIRFT, NHS. With 3.4 million vision outpatient attendances in 2019/20 alone and an ageing population – 51% of patients were over 65 according to RCOphth Vision Atlas, the pressure is mounting. So, how to choose an EHR for ophthalmology that keeps up with the speed and sophistication of contemporary care? Begin with a system that knows ophthalmic workflows, incorporates NHS data standards, and enhances patient and clinician outcomes. That’s where Cellma comes in. NHS Ophthalmology: Big Volume, Bigger Challenges From cataract surgery to diabetic eye disease, ophthalmology services are deeply rooted in the NHS. But the increasing patient load, ageing population (over 65 make up 51% of all vision outpatients), and a shortage of ophthalmologists, with over 632,000 people on waiting lists, have stretched departments to the limit according to Macular Society. NHS Integrations & Guidelines Followed by Cellma In learning how to choose an EHR for ophthalmology, NHS compatibility is not a choice. Cellma is fully compatible with NHS systems, pathways, and standards to enable compliant, coordinated care. NHS Integrations Spine & GP Connect: Immediate access to NHS numbers and secure data sharing e-RS: Real-time referral management PACS/RIS: Immediate access to ophthalmic imaging like OCT & MRI National Pathways: Support for DESP, glaucoma monitoring, and more Data Sets Supported CSDS, CDS, NOD, ECDS, and DID, reliable reporting and reimbursement as a matter of course Regulations & Compliance UK GDPR, DSPT, DCB 0129/0160, Cyber Essentials+ CQC Compliant: Conforms to standards of Health and Social Care Act 2008 for regulated ophthalmic services . FHIR & HL7 for interoperability WCAG 2.1 AA for accessible patient portals NHS Branding: Built to NHS visual identity specs CIS2 and PDS integrations Wondering how to select an EHR for ophthalmology? Begin with one that can deliver to NHS and CQC expectations, Cellma is designed to do so. Challenges Facing Ophthalmology Departments The challenge of selecting an EHR for ophthalmology begins by solving fundamental clinical issues: Chronic disease management such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and AMD Tracking treatments from cataracts to intravitreal injections Diagnostic report delays from imaging and lab Lost follow-ups and paper-based processes Cellma is designed to solve these with clear tools and end-to-end patient tracking. Cellma for Ophthalmology While researching how to choose an EHR for ophthalmology, Cellma stands out by anticipating and exceeding the evolving needs of modern eye care. It’s fully interoperable, NHS-approved, and clinically enhanced, from high-volume cataract clinics to intricate glaucoma scenarios. With smart workflows, imaging embedded, and precise data monitoring, Cellma simplifies ophthalmic care to make it safer, quicker, and better coordinated. Clinical-Grade Modules in Cellma for Ophthalmology Patient Admission and Scheduling (PAS) Effective clinic management is paramount in ophthalmology, particularly when it comes to managing high volumes of patients. Cellma’s PAS module facilitates automated appointment scheduling and follow-ups, which are critical in the management of long waiting lists in conditions like cataract surgery and glaucoma management. Clinical features are: Automated routine eye exam scheduling and intricate follow-ups like laser surgery or intraocular injections for AMD patients. Remind systems that patients at risk of missing appointments, like those with glaucoma, need frequent checks of IOP to avoid permanent damage to the optic nerve. Integrated management of referrals for patients requiring multidisciplinary treatment, e.g., referrals to neuro-ophthalmic services for conditions like optic neuritis or cranial nerve palsies. Electronic Patient Record (EPR) Cellma’s EPR module is ophthalmology-focused, allowing clinicians to see the overall status of the patient’s eye health. For example, the module includes templates for detailed evaluations of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis. Key features include: Organised fields for IOP (Intraocular Pressure) measurement, OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scans, and visual field tests to enable the treatment of glaucoma and optic neuropathies. Customisable assessment templates for common anterior segment disorders such as dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and corneal ulcers, including image and severity score fields for tracking condition progression. Surgical planning for cataract procedures, with pre- and post-operative notes that capture outcomes and potential complications. Combination of clinical imaging to improve diagnosis of retinal conditions such as diabetic macular oedema (DME), retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy, where all patient information is at your fingertips in one record. Lab Integration Cellma’s Lab Integration allows important diagnostic findings to be easily integrated into the patient record. This is necessary with diseases requiring laboratory work, such as uveitis (where blood work might be required to detect systemic autoimmune conditions) or ocular cancers associated with malignancies like ocular lymphoma. Important features include: Direct integration with laboratory systems to pull serology reports, for example, autoimmune markers or HLA typing, for systemic eye diseases, such as sarcoidosis or Sjögren’s syndrome. Real-time updating for genetic testing results for retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal diseases to direct genetic history logs and visual field data into treatment decisions. Full integration with microbiology systems for corneal ulcer cultures monitoring and antimicrobials sensitivity, to ease infectious keratitis management. Integration of Imaging Imaging in ophthalmology is essential in providing proper diagnosis and monitoring accurate, and the imaging integration of Cellma facilitates seamless connectivity to existing diagnostic systems. Be you treating macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, Imaging Integration ensures all images and diagnostic information are incorporated in the patient record. This’s how it works: PACS and RIS integration for storage and retrieval of images from OCT, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, to enable clinicians to track progression of disease and response to treatment. Annotation software allows accurate marking of findings, including retinal lesions, rashes, or corneal scars, to note changes in skin condition due to HIV-associated retinopathy or syphilis. Annotated images may be referenced in follow-up visits, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Visual field overlays for optic neuropathies and glaucoma, with automatic alarm for abnormal visual
