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AZ Zeno transforms patient care  with a centralized electronic health record

Discover how thorough preparation ensures a smooth implementation.
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Choosing an electronic health record (EHR) system is no small decision. It requires careful preparation and meticulous planning. AZ Zeno, a progressive regional hospital with campuses in Knokke-Heist, Blankenberge and Maldegem, embraced this challenge to achieve its innovative ambitions. An extensive preliminary study laid the foundation for a seamless implementation.

AZ Zeno aimed to address fragmented workflows and the limited integration capabilities of its previous EHR. The hospital strived for a future-proof, integrated system that would give all caregivers access to the same, up-to-date information.

The tender process was approached with great care. “We started by exploring the market to identify which providers could handle a project of this scale,” explains Jo Dendauw, AZ Zeno’s Facilities Director. “Internally, we allocated resources to conduct a thorough analysis and define our requirements clearly,” adds Nick Roels, Head of IT at AZ Zeno. “The tender document was very comprehensive, which is why we opted for a two-step process. Ultimately, we awarded the contract to nexuzhealth, the market leader, based on price, quality and functionality.”

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Nick Roels, Head of IT and Jo Dendauw, Facilities Director
at AZ Zeno.

Detailed analysis

The collaboration with nexuzhealth began with an intensive preliminary study. This 'planning phase' mapped out AZ Zeno’s entire application landscape, analyzing processes, systems and integration opportunities. The result was a comprehensive plan that addressed both technical solutions and process improvements. “Our ultimate goal is an integrated EHR that allows all physicians — across our three campuses — to collaborate seamlessly with laboratories, partner hospitals, general practitioners, home nurses and other external partners. At the same time, patients must have access to their own records,” says Roels.

"The 'planning phase' mapped out AZ Zeno’s entire application landscape, analyzing processes, systems and integration opportunities."
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Jo Dendauw

Facilities Director at AZ Zeno

A clear vision and strong leadership

One of the key success factors was nexuzhealth’s structured project management approach, which ensured clear objectives and efficient collaboration. “From past IT projects, we’ve learned how important strong leadership is,” says Dendauw. “Nexuzhealth’s methodology ensures everyone is aligned from the outset. It’s almost like an unstoppable engine entering the scene,” he jokes. “They approach projects not from a product perspective but from a process perspective, which took some getting used to but proved essential for a project of this scale.”

Thanks to thorough preparation, technical adjustments like setting up firewalls and data connections went exceptionally smoothly. “The involvement of caregivers was also significant. We have a monthly steering group that includes both physicians and non-physicians. The fact that 90% of our physicians regularly attend speaks volumes about their commitment,” notes Roels.

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A streamlined process

Ensuring a seamless transition was a top priority for AZ Zeno. Internal operations needed to continue uninterrupted, and patients should not notice any disruption. “We can confidently say the collaboration has been positive, and the process has been smooth. Clear action lists ensure clarity on tasks and deadlines,” says Roels.

Ten months after the project began, the administrative component of the EHR went live, marking the first step in a multi-year journey. The centralized EHR already offers clear benefits, such as a streamlined appointment module. The next phase? The care module. This will further enhance efficiency and safety, introducing improved processes like integrated medication management and interaction checks. Meanwhile, AZ Zeno patients will gain greater insight into their treatments through the mynexuzhealth platform, increasing their engagement.

Collaboration as a foundation

Regular meetings, consistent follow-ups and transparent communication have been key in ensuring an efficient process. “Our weekly meetings are always to the point and give us confidence that we’re staying on track,” says Dendauw.

“Nexuzhealth’s methodology ensures everyone is aligned from the outset."
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Jo Dendauw

Facilities Director at AZ Zeno

Valuable insights

Through the structured conferences within the nexuzhealth community, AZ Zeno remains up-to-date on innovations such as telemonitoring and international integrations. This proactive approach allows the hospital to anticipate future developments. “The nexuzhealth summit, their annual client event, is a must-attend,” adds Dendauw. “You gain valuable insights and have the chance to exchange ideas with peers from other healthcare institutions.”

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Conclusion

Implementing an EHR is more than a technical operation. It’s a transformation that requires collaboration, vision and detailed preparation. For AZ Zeno, the preliminary study was the key to success. Together with nexuzhealth, the hospital has established a sustainable system ready for the future. “This is undoubtedly the biggest project we’ve ever embarked on. We’re thrilled to have found the right partner. Our old EHR was essentially just a hospital record. Soon, we’ll truly have an integrated EHR,” concludes Dendauw.

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