Clinical Information Managers

In June 1999 six “pioneers” entered into the dynamic, often chaotic world of the Emergency Department to define the role of the Clinical Information Manager (CIM). Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, NJ was the first EMA site to institute the use of CIMs. The pilot study completed two years earlier at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ indicated that the use of CIMs would positively impact physician and Emergency Department performance. The CIMS quickly assimilated into this new role and became welcome members of the Emergency Department team.   The Emergency Department’s Medical Director at Clara Maass Medical Center, Dr. John Fontanetta, is an enthusiastic supporter of the program.

Since 1999, the CIM program has expanded to include the majority of EMA's Emergency Departments. Current data demonstrates annual increases in Emergency Department volumes. Clinical Information Managers allow the physician to manage the increased patient volumes while maintaining quality patient care. The physician is not tied to the documentation or tasked to follow up on patient labs and x-rays. Instead the CIM is responsible for all aspects of documentation of the medical record including acquiring, organizing, and communicating all diagnostic data. Dr. Fontanetta has noted the impact in quality of care in the Emergency Department. “This program is a valuable tool in helping us take better care of patients. So far we have seen patient flow increase and patient waiting time decrease. The physicians are more productive, which is certain to have a positive effect on patient satisfaction."

The Clinical Information Managers benefit from the experience. It affords them a unique opportunity to work closely with an Emergency Department physician and the entire healthcare team. “ I find it challenging,” said Andrea Stuart, one of the “pioneers” at Clara Maass Medical Center. “ I gain insights into the physician’s thoughts, I actually get to see disease states…. I learn things you can’t read in the books.”

Data collected pre and post implementation of the program demonstrates not only an increase in physician productivity but also an improvement in the quality of life for EMA physicians who utilize the CIMs.  For some physicians that enhancement alone makes the CIM a valuable asset to the Emergency Department team.