Case Studies
Project: Public Reporting on Long-Term Care Homes system
Client: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC)
Challenge:
The client required a Web-based system to serve the general publics need for information about the performance of Ontario long-term care facilities, as the basis for making decisions about where to send loved ones needing extended care. The system also needed to address the growing public demand for government accountability and transparency of information in the delivery of health care services.
Response:
ISTCL created a robust performance management system to house MOHLTC performance information, encompassing a variety of criteria that are legislated for long-term care facilities in Ontario. We integrated a user-friendly Web-based public user interface that enables every citizen of Ontario with access to a Web browser to:
Search a complete listing of long-term care facilities in the province
Access a detailed profile about each long-term care facility (including information on the homes structure, management, accreditation and contact information)
Review the profile and performance data for a particular long-term care home
Look at inspection findings for the last 12-month reporting period for a particular facility
See verified concerns (complaints that have been verified by a compliance officer) for any facility
Compare the performance data of several long-term care facilities (up to 5 at once)
Access a help function, useful links and FAQ to enhance their user experience
All information is provided in both official languages of Canada
Benefits:
For the first time ever, this user-friendly, browser-based system provides Ontario citizens with the ability to view and compare performance information for all long-term care (LTC) homes during a specified reporting period, providing decision-making support and demonstrating government accountability for health care spending.
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Project: SARS Emergency Response Communications Infrastructure
Client: Ontario Government, Ministry of Health (MOH)
Challenge:
When Ontario experienced the SARS outbreaks in 2003, the provincial government called ISTCL to help it manage the crises.
Two main project objectives were identified:
Rapid deployment of multi-modal system for delivering
emergency directives and scientific information to the Health Care
Sector across Ontario
Create an ongoing operational communications capability for SARS emergency management
Response:
ISTCL immediately responded by developing and implementing the SARS
Emergency Response Communications Infrastructure. To achieve the
client's objectives, we:
Mobilized a diverse team of technical experts and rapidly
completed an environmental scan, implementing the first project phase
within 5 hours of the initial client call
Melded previously developed government technology components and stakeholder data sources into a single system
Conducted requirements definition, application code, data analysis, purification and testing
Benefits:
The SARS Emergency Response Communications Infrastructure became a
core application supporting the government in managing resources and
responding to the public crisis. The system provided the Provincial
(SARS) Operations Centre with the ability to manage all emergency
communications via e-mail, fax and regular mail, through a single point
of entry. It has since been enhanced by ISTCL, and remains as a central
component of the SARS Operations Centre.
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Project: Web Site Development and Systems Integration
Client: Ontario Social Housing Services Corporation (SHSC)
Challenge:
The client required a Web site to integrate their business processes
and market their services to the public. Real time access to financial,
insurance and best practice information was required. Limited resources
meant that the client needed to be able to update the site content
easily, without relying on technical staff.
Response:
ISTCL created a Web site incorporating all the client's requirements, including:
Designing and implementing the Web site infrastructure and architecture
Integrating corporate information and data that previously resided in several provinces
Implementing
a streamlined content and client communications management function
that enabled all staff to update and maintain the site
Benefits:
SHSC clients can access a rich source of news and information via
their web browsers, reducing time spent by staff managing telephone and
email inquiries. The content management system included in the Web site
by ISTCL is enabling non-technical staff to maintain and update the
site as needed, reducing their dependence and expenditures on technical
staff for Web business functions.
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Project: I.T. Project Management Office
Client: Ontario Government, Ministry of Health (MOH)
Challenge:
The client required a project management office (PMO) to support and audit client projects.
Response:
ISTCL developed and established a PMO that coordinates applications
development, infrastructure development and maintenance for more than
100 projects annually. Our accomplishments during this project included:
Designing consistent project management processes, standards and deliverables, established
Establishing standards for project planning, tracking, reporting and documentation
Developing a consolidated project database
Training and identifying development opportunities for project management staff
Benefits:
The PMO allows the client organization to concurrently manage 100-plus projects using a single database, according to consistent processes and standards that ensure efficiency. The PDA interface built into the system allows for portability, matching the client's work requirements. Project tracking capabilities have also been enhanced, enabling better planning and resource utilization.
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