Yale Pathology ITS information

I. Pathology Clinical Information System Support
II. Microcomputer Support
III. Information Networks and Connectivity
IV. Network/Telecommunications Support
V. Imaging Systems and Graphic Support
IV. Network/Telecommunications Support
VII. Infrastructure and Hardware Support
VIII. Computer and Network Emergency Procedure

I. Pathology Clinical Information System Support

The Department recently upgraded its clinical information system to the most current version of CoPath Plus, the anatomic pathology information system marketed by Dynamic HealthCare Technologies, with customhouses to meet local needs. The clinical information system database resides on an IBM RS6000 and runs two IBM Power PC processors. The system supports generation of patient’s diagnostic reports; quality assurance and research activities; and records, process, and clinical operations management. In an effort to assure patient confidentiality, access to the clinical information system is restricted. Patient registration and encounters enter CoPath Plus through an ADT (Admission, Discharge, Transfer) Interface supported by Yale New Haven Hospital. The Department supports reporting interfaces to other Hospital systems.
The clinical information system database is backed up daily and the integrity of the database is verified weekly. The appropriate logs are checked for errors and problems are documented and resolved by the System Manager and ITS Core Manager. The Clinical Information software is backed up whenever changes are made to the system.
Information Technology supports users of the Pathology Clinical Information System by providing both formal and ad hoc training. In addition, the Unit maintains hardware and software and troubleshoots user problems. The staff assists users in the retrieval of information to support teaching and research, and assists with the delivery and management of clinical services.
The system is available for use 24 hours daily, provided there is no scheduled downtime. Users are notified in advance of scheduled downtime so that alternate arrangements may be made for clinical workflow. If the system goes down during evenings and weekends, it should be reported to the System Manager.

II. Microcomputer Support

For user support issues contact the Help Desk at 5-3691. These issues may include:
• Purchasing of equipment/supplies
• Installing/upgrading software programs
• Setup of new e-mail accounts
• Diagnosing hardware/software problems
• User issues
Your call will be logged and assigned to the appropriate area for problem resolution. (See the support supplement for a detailed list of supported software/hardware).

III. Information Networks and Connectivity

The Pathology local area network (LAN) is a subset of the YNHH ATM network. The hospital network is protected by a firewall, which has special channels opened to communicate to Yale University local area networks. Physically the Pathology LAN consists of Cisco 5xxx-type switches, fiber optic connections and 100 Base T wirings.
Through BIOMED, the School of Medicine’s VAX, Pathology Information System users have access to electronic mail.

Medical information and related informational databases may be accessed through the home page for the Yale University Library at http://www.yale.edu/academics/libraries.html.

IV. Network/Telecommunications Support

The department arranges for the set up of e-mail accounts, telephones and pagers. Requests for these services must be approved by unit managers/supervisors.

V. Imaging Systems and Graphic Support

The Graphics and Imaging Unit provides services to facilitate the department in its research, teaching, clinical and public relations needs. The facility is located in BML 161 and staffed by full-time graphic designers. Services include slide preparation, scanning, digital printing, illustrations and posters. Requests may be sent via the web page:www.yalepath.org/pgi, or email: photographics@yale.edu

VI. Web Presence

The department maintains both an Intranet and Internet site. The internet site is at www.yalepath.org. The intranet site is available for employees within the department and is accessible at http://intranet.yalepath.org/. The intranet site includes links for M&P timesheets, department managers’ information, Unit Safety Committee, Search the Phone List, and the Informatics Home Page. Both sites are maintained by Graphics and Imaging. Problems with the sites should be directed to Graphics and Imaging at 5-6500.

VII. Infrastructure and Hardware Support

The department’s infrastructure includes all computers and computerized equipment, which are either stand alone units or interface to connect through cabling or other means. The major components of the infrastructure are:
• The YNHH local area network extends into the space occupied by the department. There is one Cisco 5509 switch in the East Pavilion, two Cisco 2900 class switches in Seamco, two Cisco 5505, one 5509 and one 5500 in Brady/Lauder.
• NT servers.
Primary and backup domain controllers
Two NT terminal servers with Metaframe that serve the CoPath Plus NT application to Macintosh client computers.
One NT terminal server with Metaframe that serves CoPath Plus to remote users and to other NT applications of the Business Office
One NT server that acts as an interface agent for incoming and outgoing interfaces
One NT server that takes the role of the central file repository for CoPath Plus.
• Pathology Novell Server
The main purpose of this server is for file sharing for multiplatform clients through the SPX and Appletalk network protocols.
• RS6000/H50 Servers
These AIX Unix machines house the Sybase databases containing all the information collected and produced by CoPath Plus.
• Tape backup system with a robotic arm
This is used for daily backup of the Pathology 1 Novell server and for weekly backup of important directories on other NT servers.
Hardware Support – All of these servers are supported by Pathology ITS. Upgrades to the Novell Server and to the RS6000 machines are provided by YNHH MIS. All machines are under YNHH sponsored service contracts which are renewed annually.

VIII. Computer and Network Emergency Procedure

Urgent problems with the Yale Pathology Clinical Information System, microcomputers, and connectivity to other computer systems should be reported to the Help Desk, 5-3691 during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 PM. The Help Desk will notify the individual responsible for that area, who will handle the problem.

EMERGENCIES after hours:
Clinical Information System (Co-path): Agatha Daley 203 370-1780
Operations (flood or building problems): Brad Worzella 203-370-5224 or call security