Gael Community

Sneak Preview: What’s coming in Q-Pulse Version 5.6

Paulc — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:17:00 GMT

Introduction

As we're now in 2009, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of what our development team have been up to for the last few months, namely Q-Pulse version 5.6, which is due for release at the end of March.

As part of any Q-Pulse release we always set ourselves a ‘guiding light’ where we ensure that changes and enhancements to the product are considered against criteria. Version 5.6’s guiding light breaks down into 3 key areas:

To refine existing processes (with consideration to customer enhancements)
To improve Q-Pulse deployment and configuration
To structure Q-Pulse for integration

Please note, the following information is only a limited introduction to the planned changes and my intention is to post regular updates on this release as we delve deeper into our development cycle and confirm implementation. Please also note that details are subject to change as the development cycle progresses, but this should provide a flavour of what is coming along:

1. iCalendar

New Feature:

Ability to attach an iCalendar to Training and Audit Q-Pulse messages.

ICalendar or “iCal” is a standard for calendar data exchange. In the context of Q-Pulse, this means, for example, when an Audit is scheduled in Q-Pulse, the Q-Pulse message can now be sent with an “iCal” file attached. This file can be saved to the recipient’s Microsoft Outlook calendar as an appointment with the appropriate details of the Q-Pulse Audit. The appointment will also contain a ‘Goto’ link to the record in Q-Pulse.

ICal calendars are supported in a variety of applications, many of which are listed here.

2. List Views

Updated Feature:

Additional view types in most modules to provide greater targeting of a record’s ‘child’ information. For example, you will be able to view a ‘flattened’ list of CA/PA actions, without having to navigate through the parent record.

3. Escalation and Messaging

New Features:

Set conditions to escalation messages (Available conditions will be the same as the conditions in standard message implementation).

Ability to escalate to a person’s “Reports to” (manager).

Updated Feature:

Select from additional dynamic recipients to the appropriate reminder, escalation (and standard) messages:
CA/PA User defined 5 & 6 (People fields), Auditors, Auditees, Asset Activity Owner

4. Spell checker

New Feature:

Ability to check, highlight and correct incorrect spelling in Q-Pulse multi-line fields (memo fields).

5. Analysis (Both CA/PA and Incidents)

New Features:

Updated look and feel.

Show "zero" values in the analysis grid to allow identification of unclassified records.

Introduction of "Top N" to allow filtering on the Top (configurable) number of items in your data set.

Analysis printing.

6. Analysis (CA/PA)

New Feature:

Introduction of Operational Data (as delivered in Incident analysis) to allow Q-Pulse data to be expressed in terms of operational data (e.g. Number of non conformances per Sectors flown).

7. Managed Lists

New Features:

Ability to print managed list content.

Ability to import items into Managed lists from other sources.

8. Document Searching

New feature:

Ability to search for text in Q-Pulse Embedded files (Document module initially) using full text Search (SQL Server)

You can read more about the technical functionality at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms142571.aspx.

9. LaunchPad

New Feature:

Ability for an administrator to configure a “default” LaunchPad for users to reduce deployment and configuration setup time.

10. ClickOnce Deployment

New Feature:

ClickOnce is a deployment technology that allows you to create self-updating Windows-based applications that can be installed and run with minimal user interaction. ClickOnce deployment overcomes three major issues inherent in deployment:

Difficulties in updating applications:
With Microsoft Windows Installer deployment, whenever an application is updated, the user must reinstall the entire application; with ClickOnce deployment, you can provide updates automatically. Only those portions of the application that have changed are downloaded, then the full, updated application is reinstalled from a new side-by-side folder.
Impact to the user’s computer:
With Windows Installer deployment, applications often rely on shared components, with the potential for versioning conflicts; with ClickOnce deployment, each application is self-contained and cannot interfere with other applications.
Security permissions:
Windows Installer deployment requires administrative permissions and allows only limited user installation; ClickOnce deployment allows non-administrative users to install and grants only those Code Access Security permissions necessary for the application.

11. Occurrence & Incident Application Programming Interface (APIs)

New Feature:

As part of our Q-Pulse integration/API strategy, we will be providing key Q-Pulse functionality in the form of XML based web services. This provides an industry standard, standards-based, cross platform, flexible mechanism for integrating Q-Pulse functionality into third-party applications.

Using .NET WCF (Windows Communication Foundation) as our core platform, these services exposed by Q-Pulse are simple architectural constructs that follow the “facade” and “adapter” patterns. Through the use of service contracts, the scope of what will be possible for someone to programmatically achieve with Q-Pulse can be defined. Internally, the API will use the existing Q-Pulse Business Objects to move data to and from the database. This ensures that any supplied data will be subjected to many of the same business logic validity checks as would be applied to user-entered information.

What does this mean?

Simply put, where an organisation has a Development or System Integrator resource, they will be able to develop integration points between Q-Pulse and other existing systems.

The first phase will see us release services for the Occurrence & Incident functionality with a view to exposing the services in other modules over the course of 2009.

We're putting together some example uses of these web services. One example is an Outlook plug-in that allows a user to raise an Occurrence/safety event in Q-Pulse from an e-mail, passing through selected information on the e-mail into the Q-Pulse record.

As I said, there is much more to come, so please watch this space as I add to this list over the coming weeks.

I hope this gives you an idea of some of the new and updated features of Q-Pulse Version 5.6. If you have any questions, please post a reply in our Q-Pulse Version 5.6 - pre-release questions thread.

COMPANIES

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:59:49 GMT

•laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists, based on the results of a recent on-site inspection. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, started in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as bein......(read more)

Gael achieves Microsoft Gold Partner status

Paulc — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

In what is an exceptional end to another outstanding year, Scottish software company Gael Limited has announced that it has achieved Microsoft Gold Partner status. In addition, Gael has also announced that its award-winning Q-Pulse application has been certified as a Windows Vista and Windows 2008 Server approved.

Designed for organisations operating in strict regulatory compliance environments such as healthcare, life science and aviation marketplace, Q-Pulse has been specifically developed to support the operational activities of a company's compliance management system. With the application now formally certified to run on both Windows Vista and Windows 2008 Server, Gael customers can be assured of the application’s top performance within the current Microsoft operating environments.

Commenting on the achievement, Paul Callaghan, Gael’s Product Director, said:

Following on from Q-Pulse recently winning Best Product at the Scottish Software Awards, the certification for both the Vista and 2008 Server environments only adds to our credentials as a truly robust and scalable corporate compliance platform. Through Q-Pulse, Gael continues to grow from strength to strength and with the additional intelligence made available to us via our Gold Partner status we will continue to deliver superior compliance management solutions for the Microsoft platform.

January tip of the month: How to show CA/PA wizards on the LaunchPad

Daniel Rae — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:00:59 GMT

In the CA/PA module you can design a series of wizards that allow you to guide a user as they enter data into Q-Pulse. To launch this however, you normally need to open the CA/PA module and then click on File > New Via Wizard.

Wizards provide a user-friendly way to enter data into Q-Pulse, and can be used for many different CAPA scenarios, such as suggestions, IT fault reporting, form entry, etc.

You can setup a shortcut to raise CA/PAs via the LaunchPad by following the steps below:

1. Set up your wizard as normal within the CA/PA module (open the CA/PA module and then click on File > New From Wizard).

2. Return to the LaunchPad and click on Preferences (as shown below).

3. Click on the LaunchPad button on the left-hand menu.

4. Click on the "Panel" tab and select CA/PA from the drop down menu (as shown below).

5. Under “Raise new records via wizards,” check the box for any wizards you wish to access from the LaunchPad and click "OK".

6. Under your LaunchPad, expand the CA/PA module. Clicking "New" and "From Wizard" allows you to run a wizard from the LaunchPad.

ACLASS signs international cooperation agreement.

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:03:22 GMT

December 30, 2008 - ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS has signed Asia-Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation mutual recognition arrangement for reference material producer accreditation. A regional cooperation of bodies that recognize laboratories, inspection bodies, and reference m......(read more)

Technical modification of testicular sperm extraction expedites testicular sperm retrieval

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:54:52 GMT

doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.11.017...(read more)

Plans To Enhance Pathology Services, UK

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:12:38 GMT

Transforming NHS pathology services will improve quality, safety and efficiency in diagnostic tests, according to a two-year review into NHS Pathology Services published recently....(read more)

Bangkok Hospital Combining Eastern and Western Therapies for Improved Health Outcomes

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:19:56 GMT

Western and Eastern medicines have traditionally been at odds - however, Bangkok Hospital is now combining the best of both worlds to provide improved health outcomes for patients....(read more)

Medical examination companies eye piece of China's CRO pie - insider

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 02:14:59 GMT

Medical examination companies in China are starting to target the clinical trial outsourcing sector, a business insider toldInterfaxon Dec. 23....(read more)

Business Memoranda: 12/21/2008

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:08:26 GMT

-- The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area Inc. announces new leadership for 2009: president, Victor Lisabeth, Grand Bay Builders, LLC; first vice president, Rob Whims, Smith & Johnson Attorneys; second vice president, Marc Burkholder, Burkholder Construction; secretary, B.J. Stark,......(read more)

QUINTILES CENTRAL LABORATORY IN INDIA RECEIVES CAP CERTIFICATION

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:35:21 GMT

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – February 13, 2008 – Quintiles Transnational Corp. today announced that its central laboratory in India has been certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP)....(read more)

News IBMS RESPONDS TO CARTER REPORT PUBLICATION

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:56:56 GMT

The Institute welcomes the publication of the report and the accompanying response from the Department of Health. This report has been keenly anticipated as it represents a thorough and informed appraisal of pathology and the direction in which this key diagnostic service should develop to meet the ......(read more)

Sir Michael Parkinson appointed NHS dignity ambassador

Daniel Rae — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:58:19 GMT

London Patients are being encouraged to post candid online reviews of the successes and failings of NHS care in an attempt to improve standards. The Government has asked Sir Michael Parkinson, the chat-show host, to act as an ambassador for its “dignity in care” campaign to establish how well hospitals throughout England look after patients, in particular elderly people. Ministers say they want to know if patients were treated with dignity and respect, about cleanliness and the nature of staff teamwork. Comments should be posted on the NHS Choices website, www.nhs.uk.

The health ministers Phil Hope and Lord Darzi of Denham encouraged feedback at a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, which consistently receives top ratings from the official regulator, the Healthcare Commission.

Source: The Times

Plans to enhance Pathology services

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:19:06 GMT

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service. 18 December 2008...(read more)

Concateno Team With Merck to Bring Road-Side Drug Testing to India

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:03:46 GMT

- Concateno Solutions are First to be Licensed for On-site Drug Testing in Indian Market...(read more)

1137ii

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:55:36 GMT

Published on 30 October 2008 by authority of the House of Commons London: The Stationery Office Limited...(read more)

Progress on Runway Safety

Daniel Rae — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:22:59 GMT

The importance of reducing the risk of runway excursion accidents was highlighted at the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) 61st International Air Safety Symposium in Honolulu. More than 300 attendees heard Dr. Earl Weener, FSF Foundation Fellow, describe the progress of the Runway Safety Initiative's (RSI) efforts to reduce this common and sometimes fatal class of accidents.

The RSI program, an industry-wide effort, is lead jointly Weener and Jim Burin, FSF Director of Technical Programs. Weener presented data to show that a focus on prevention of runway excursions, where an aircraft leaves the runway in an uncontrolled manner, is essential to improving global air transportation safety.

The RSI team, formed in early 2007, includes representatives of all major segments of the commercial air transportation industry — airline and pilot organizations, airports, air traffic control providers, accident investigation and regulatory agencies, and aircraft manufacturers.

The team's focus includes the development of a comprehensive reference document for the prevention and mitigation of runway excursion accidents. In addition, the widely used FSF Approach and Landing Accident Reduction (ALAR) Toolkit will be revised to reflect the enhanced understanding garnered by the RSI team, with a projected release in mid-2009.

Source: Air Safety Week

OSU's Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Receives Full Accreditation

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:54:35 GMT

(Media-Newswire.com) - CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University has received full accreditation for the next five years from the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians....(read more)

Mark Fuller in Hamburg, Germany with Lufthansa Technik

Daniel Rae — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:57:00 GMT

I’m working on a Q-Pulse IMS pilot project (pardon the pun) with Lufthansa and I'm finding their approach to the whole project very professional indeed. Lufthansa have recognised the value of Professional services guidance for the complete customisation and training process to ensure that the best possible ‘way of working’ is achieved for their users, thus ensuring the least amount of cascade training and maximum user buy in.

Working with two distinct groups, one for auditing the other for occurrence reporting and investigation management, we have customised Q-Pulse in line with their needs. This is done by validating each stage of the process with the project team, so by the time we reach the start of the pilot trial, they will have a "near to working" solution, subject only to the feedback of employees during the initial trial.

One major difference with the approach adopted by Lufthansa is that I am working with a small amount of individuals for each discipline. This maximises the amount of customisation that is done, effectively creating internal experts, rather than trying to create a large team of generalists.

I love my job, and it's always nice to work in a way that truly benefits the organisation and calls on our experience for maximum effect.

Gael managed projects

Many companies attempt to cut corners and save money by attempting to customise Q-Pulse themselves with minimal input from a Professional Services Consultant. While this does ‘appear’ to save capital, the long term effect is two fold and can dictate the overall success of the implementation and the adoption of whatever system you are implementing.

Firstly, it increases the long term overhead because the system is not configured in the optimum way for their organisation for both users and ongoing administration.

This often results in poor ‘buy in’, which is vital for success, from system users.

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DH publishes framework for improving the quality of NHS care

Daniel Rae — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:12:08 GMT

The Department of Health (DH) has sent details to all NHS organisations on how they should approach the commitments made in Lord Darzi’s next stage review, which makes improving quality the centrepiece of the next decade of the NHS.

Each tier of the NHS - from local clinical teams to boards, strategic health authorities and the National Quality Board - is being asked to select the indicators it wants to use to measure, compare and improve the quality of services.

The full suite of quality framework documentation can be accessed on the DH website here.

The Health Service Journal (HSJ - 20 November 2008) has produced an excellent article summarising the DH requirements and reporting on an interview with Lord Darzi. There is also a video on the quality framework.

For further information, and to watch the quality framework video, access the HSJ article here.

Source: Healthcare Governance Review

Transgenomic Receives Accreditation From College of American Pathologists

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:23:23 GMT

OMAHA, Neb., Dec 09, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Transgenomic, Inc.(TBIO:...(read more)

A2LA Adds New Veterinary Accreditation Program Requirements

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:12:24 GMT

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is proud to announce the re-introduction of the Veterinary Accreditation Program to its broad range of accreditation activities. This program has been completely revised, and applications for accreditation are now being accepted. Roxanne M......(read more)

Personalized Medicine

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 06:03:38 GMT

Exec says tailored medicine will take the pharma industry to the next level...(read more)

Nanotechnology

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 06:03:21 GMT

...present many challenges and opportunities in the food and drug law arena. Companies will work to adjust to the regulatory...commissioner, while seeking to renew consumer confidence in drug and food safety. Generic drugs, including follow-on biologics...Washington, D.C., including the 2nd Annual C......(read more)

Micro lab could be saved from axe

CyberWatcher Newsfeed - Lab Accreditation Compliance News — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:42:46 GMT

Controversial plans to move Lincoln County Hospital's microbiology lab to Scunthorpe could now be scrapped....(read more)