Accounting records are stored in DocuWare, simultaneously along with individual electronic patient folders in a secure, tamper-free format. In the past, Feldkirch Regional Hospital (also in Austria and part of the Austrian Voralberg Hospital Group) had to file about 23,000 proof of delivery forms by hand, sorting them to go with approximately 45,000 accounts payable invoices. Today, these same records are handled with a digital workflow as soon as they arrive. Using DocuWare CONNECT to SAP, scanned documents are analysed via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Freeform Recognition, converted into structured data records which are transferred into their account-ing system -- fully automatically. At the very same time, records are stored in a format that cannot be altered in a central document pool. Run-time from scanning to final booking has been cut in half, going from four to two days on average. All documents can be accessed directly out of SAP as well as DocuWare, further enhancing the system’s security.

Electronic Patient Folder live in March 2007

Since March 2007, Feldkirch Regional Hospital increased its productivity with the help of electronic patient folders. This approach was realised by integrating the DocuWare document management system with their healthcare information system (Patidok), other medical pro-grams running on this platform, and their SAP accounting system. The goal of this project, executed under the leadership of project manager Harald Keckeis, was to completely inte-grate paper-based documents in their overall electronic information flow.

The information contained in the electronic patient folders is based on the Feldkirch Regional Hospital’s paper archive from the years 2003-2006, which were digitised by an outside scan-ning service. Aside from classic text documents, a patient’s profile can often contain graphic elements such as EKG curves, ultrasound images and fever measurements that are often found in large and non-standard formats. At this juncture, the hospital’s DocuWare archive now contains over 120,000 patient profiles that contain more than five million pages.  Current patient folders are now generally digitized within five working days.

Feldkirch Regional Hospital is one of the leaders in introducing electronic patient folders. The neighbouring hospital in Rankwell has also implemented electronic patient folders and they expect additional roll-outs for their clinics in Hohenems, Bludenz and Bregenz. The accounts payable invoice workflow with DocuWare, however, has been in full use in all Vorarlberg Hospitals since the end of 2007.

About DocuWare

Founded in 1988, DocuWare has over 6,000 installations with tens of thousands of users in over 50 countries.  DocuWare offers a scalable solution that can expand enterprise-wide.  Over 400 Authorized DocuWare Partners make up a worldwide independent reseller network, employing over 1000 DocuWare experts who bring DocuWare close to its customers.

DocuWare AG is based in Germering near Munich, Germany.  The company’s US subsidiary, DocuWare Corporation, is located in Newburgh, New York and is responsible for all activities in North, Central and South America.  DocuWare Ltd., its subsidiary in London, handles all activities for Great Britain and Ireland. DocuWare España located in Barcelona is responsible for the market in Spain.

DocuWare – Software for Integrated Document Management

DocuWare is an integrated document management solution that can automate business processes by managing any type of document, regardless of format or source, in a central document pool – for example paper records, letters, faxes, drawings, PC and other electronic files including e-mail.  DocuWare supports all forms of electronic signatures.  Integrated records management ensures that all access is secure, controlled, and logged.
Using the Internet, the central document pool is available around the clock to any authorized user, no matter where they are located in the world.  A wide range of customizable DocuWare add-on modules equip DocuWare for, among other things, automatic indexing, COLD applications and enhanced workflow features.  Other software applications are easily integrated with a set of standard tools.  Numerous interfaces exist for ERP systems (including a certified SAP interface) and Groupware (like Exchange, GroupWise or Lotus Notes/Domino).  DocuWare incorporates all components needed for powerful Enterprise Content Management.  Processes in every company can be automated and improved with DocuWare.  DocuWare solutions are known for their easy installation, administration and operation, as well as an exceptionally low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). DocuWare software is available in 13 languages.

Enhanced with workflow functionalities, Web Content Management, and universal integration functions, DocuWare provides powerful Enterprise Content Management (ECM) functionality for enabling expansion throughout an organization.