MIStroClef FAQs

Training

Q. How long does it take to train staff to use MIStroClef?
A. If the staff has already used similar software, such as MIStroWorks, the average training time is 15 minutes per person. Training depends on the ability to use a mouse, familiarity with an Internet browser and experience using Windows platforms.

Q. We have a URM that nobody keeps up to date now. How do I train staff on the interventions with outdated URM definitions?
A. The URM and math are all online in MIStroClef now. Keeping both the instrument and the URM updated is much easier because it is all in one location. Definitions for all interventions and activities are embedded in the line item for easy review.

Q. Pilot testing is done on paper questionnaires that are always getting lost, does MIStroClef work this way also?
A. Testing is now automated in MIStroClef. The Staff Adequacy Questionnaires are online by unit/shift. Upon completion, test reports can be run from the Reports Workspace. Likewise, IRMs are also online.

Maintenance/Updating

Q. How much maintenance is involved for IT daily, monthly, yearly?
A. Daily maintenance is handled by SQL in the form of daily backups. The program allows a user to define when to delete files after a specified length of time for all records. Maintenance will be minimal, and similar to other relational database applications resident within the facility.

Q. What is the database structure? Is it similar to MIStroWorks?
A. The database is SQL structure and the application is built using the Microsoft .NET framework. There are no similarities between MIStroWorks and MIStroClef from the database perspective.

Q. How does the ADT interface work?
A. The ADT interface that MIStroClef uses is a true HL7 interface. It supports most messages from HL7, including temporary transfers, Triage Codes, bed swaps, series patients, etc. It is written to support HL7 through version 2.5. HL7 messages are handled as they are written, not interpreted and changed.

Q. How often do updates occur? Do we have to update the system on every machine each time there's an update?
A. Releases will occur annually. Updates will occur with any major change that we feel everyone could benefit from having, usually three or four times per year. Update and annual release instructions will be communicated with our clients as the technical components are ready for general release.

Q. Where can I find MIStroClef Updates?
A. The major releases can be found on the following ftp site: ftp.clef.graspinc.com . The service releases may be found on the following internet site http://usergroup.graspinc.com under MIStroClef fixes and files. Please check with Technical Support for your username and password to both the sites above.

Reports

Q. Are we able to generate reports for missing workload, individual staff utilization, individual staff IRMs, and individual staff required hours including non service recipient time? (Workload by Provider)
A. Yes. Assuming the patient has been scored once by the caregiver, the database will store individual staff interventions to allow for staff required hours, service and non-service recipients and IRMs. Utilization calculations by provider would be available if the Patient Assignment feature is utilized. Likewise, if the provider has previously scored workload or been assigned a patient, missing workload reports are available.

Q. Can I customize reports if I want something unique to my facility?
A. Some reports have features that can be added or removed from within the Report Wizard. MIStroClef also allows the use of third party reporting software for other custom reports.

Q. How easy is it to report to the Ministry of Health for MIS reporting and Case Costing?
A. MIStroClef's specially designed MIS Report eases the complexity of the requirements. The report produces a workload breakdown by patient service (acute/chronic/rehab/mental health), patient type (inpatient/outpatient) and age (adult/pediatric/newborn), as well as by functional center, service recipient, and non-service recipient. Case Costing reports are also available in the Case Mix Interface. This allows the workload to be reported by intermediate products using the same or different MIS categories.

Workload Scoring

Q. How fast can I score workload on my set of patients, when they exist all over the hospital? (Allied Health).
A. Using Shared Instruments, each patient's workload instrument would reside with the patient on their home unit or clinic. All patients on this unit/clinic may be scored within a few minutes.

Q. Can I score actual time?
A. Yes - where the actual time has been assigned to the intervention by the administrator. The decision whether the intervention is to be assigned standard time, counts with standard time, or actual time is determined when the instrument is defined by the user.

Q. How easy is it to score workload on a group of patients seen in a class?
A. A Group Score feature allows the caregiver to assign the same workload to a group of patients at the same time, such as by group classes or rounds.

Q. If I'm late scoring workload, how far back does MIStroClef store my patient information? Will it be included in the reports and data?
A. There is no limit to how far back the software will allow you to enter workload. It will automatically update the Staffing Workspace when the Workload Workspace is updated; reports are run by time/date.

Access

Q. Do we have the ability to synchronize the sign-on with our network sign-on?
A. Yes. By doing this however, the security log-on features in MIStroClef are disabled. Security is then determined by the single sign-on vendor.

Q. How easy is it to set and change a password for someone?
A. Password assignments can be made easily in a few seconds. Simply type the new assignment password in the individual's profile. MIStroClef also allows the administrator to force a change of password for an individual or a group. Profiles are defined for each type of user: clinical staff, clerical staff, administrator, etc. Changes to the profile are immediate and affect every person assigned to that profile.

Q. The ward clerk is responsible for entering worked hours. How difficult is this to do? Do they still have to export from the workload side to the worked-hours side? Can we limit the access of the ward clerk to only worked hours?
A. There is no export/import function in MIStroClef. Workload and census are automatically populated from the Workload Workspace to the Staffing Workspace as they occur. This also means that updates to workload also update the Staffing Workspace. Entering worked hours is simply a matter or clicking on the shift and skill and entering the hour by skill. Many facilities have chosen to automate this process with an interface from their scheduling or payroll system, to eliminate the clerical effort and improve accuracy.