We're launching a series of blogs that will help MC4 users take advantage of the resourceful, yet voluminous, Commander's Guide to MC4. This comprehensive reference contains numerous recommendations and business practices for medical leaders at all levels of military health care, and it enables commanders and their headquarter staffs to successfully perform their assigned medical missions while using MC4-supported systems. To help medical personnel navigate the updated Commander's Guide, MC4 subject matter experts (SMEs) will be blogging about how to utilize the information provided in each section of this comprehensive resource.
I am very excited about the 2011 version of the Commander's Guide. When I commanded Task Force Med Falcon V in Kosovo from 2001 to 2002, and then the 18th Medical Command and 121st Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Korea from 2006 to 2008, we used CHCS II, or legacy AHLTA, to document patient care. In fact, we were never required to establish and use a deployed, automated medical information system.
Today, we expect units to execute this task regardless if Soldiers know anything about the MC4 system. I honestly can't fathom how I could prepare my medical unit to be competent in setting up the MC4 system and using the medical apps without studying the Commander's Guide to develop a pre-deployment training plan.
Each section of the guide provides need-to-know information to ensure a continuous and systematic approach to support the creation and transmission of lifelong electronic medical records (EMRs). The information in the guide is applicable to all levels of medical staff. Some sections of the Commander's Guide will help medical headquarters staff officers perform near-real-time monitoring of diseases and injuries, and manage their medical battlefield operating systems, while other sections will help medical personnel efficiently order and track medical supplies.
The guide will also help clinical personnel create comprehensive, lifelong, accessible outpatient and inpatient EMRs. Additionally, unit communications personnel can use the guide to obtain the details they need to establish and maintain an electronic network to support outpatient clinics, hospitalization, medical logistics, medical maintenance, and the ancillary support medical services necessary for ensuring high quality health care.
The Commander's Guide to MC4 is free of charge and easily accessible. Download a searchable version from AKO or download the ATN2GO app and access the guide at anytime from anywhere via an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or Android device.
Throughout the blog series, SMEs will help medical units maximize the tools and resources that are available by providing overviews of the processes and checklists that are contained in the guide, as well as offer guidance on how to adopt the content into everyday practice. By implementing the Commander's Guide, units will certainly be successful when performing critical medical missions in garrison, during field training exercises and downrange.
Be sure to visit the MC4 website frequently to learn more about the Commander's Guide or subscribe to The Gateway by signing up for email updates. I welcome any comments and suggestions as we work to improve the guide over time.