Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics is excited to announce the upcoming implementation of a new computer system, called Epic.
“After months of preparation and training, we are slated to ‘go-live’ on February 1st,” states David Hartberg, CEO of Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics. “This is a very large undertaking that has required a significant investment, both financially and the time and effort invested by our staff. The goal for implementing Epic at Gundersen Boscobel is to transform the care experience for patients, physicians and staff.”
Epic is a widely used state-of-the-art clinical information and electronic health record system. The system encompasses all aspects of a patient’s care – from clinical to business-related – centralizing the flow and use of patient information.
What is Epic?
The hospital’s new Epic System will include:
• An integrated set of tools that allows data to move with patients across all areas such as clinics, the emergency department, and inpatient units.
• An electronic system for patient registration, appointment scheduling, billing and other business-related functions, allowing for registration in multiple locations of the building.
• An online patient portal called MyCare that will empower patients to become directly involved in the management of their own health information and the services they receive by monitoring their healthcare online.
• A computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system allowing providers to manage and communicate orders and results electronically.
• An electronic medication system that ensures patient safety and reduces errors.
• A clinical documentation tool that enhances workflow for all caregivers throughout Gundersen and Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics and makes information accessible to those who need it.
How will this system benefit patients?
With Epic System, patient information can be electronically shared quickly, accurately, and when it’s needed. It offers greater internal connectivity, and also opens communication lines with other facilities. Gundersen Boscobel will have an increased ability to electronically share information within the Gundersen Health System, as well as with other hospitals and clinics that use Epic Electronic Health Record System.
Other Wisconsin Hospital Systems that use Epic System include: UW Health, St. Mary’s, Aspirus, Aurora Health Care, Bellin Health, ThedaCare, and many more. This means if a patient receives a procedure at an Epic System facility, physicians at Gundersen Boscobel will have greater access to patient records, maintaining continuity of care when they return to Boscobel. While the flow of information will be different which each healthcare facility, Epic will offer a platform to increase connectivity with facilities outside of Boscobel.
A dynamic feature of the Epic System is a patient portal platform called MyCare. MyCare is a secure online personal health information portal that provides patients access to portions of their medical records at any time, at home or on the go. This offers patients the ability to view lab and test results, medications, health summary, immunizations, and much more.
“MyCare is user-friendly platform that provides patients relevant health information when they need it and encourages patients to be engaged with their care,” states Eric Swan, Director of Community Relations.
“Epic System provides our staff the communication tools to more effectively care for and communicate with our patients,” explains Katy Tomten, RN, Director of Quality and Informatics. “There will be a learning curve for our staff, along with our patients who will now be interacting with a new system. However, we are confident the introduction of Epic System will enhance the care experience for those we serve”.
In the weeks leading up to Epic “go-live” on February 1st, there will be articles in the Boscobel Dial providing information relevant to patients in the transition. For daily updates, check out Gundersen Boscobel’s recently developed Facebook page.
