Does Ascension Use Epic? Untangling the EHR Web
The answer is nuanced. While Ascension historically partnered with Cerner (now Oracle Health) for a system-wide Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation, the situation is evolving. Certain Ascension facilities, like those in Wisconsin, have adopted Epic Systems. Therefore, it’s not a simple yes or no, but rather a matter of different facilities within the Ascension network utilizing different EHR systems, including both Cerner and Epic. Here we will explore the complex world of Ascension’s EHR strategy and how it impacts patient care and operational efficiency.
Ascension’s EHR Journey: A System in Transition
Ascension, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the United States, embarked on a significant EHR journey years ago. The initial strategy centered around a centralized, system-wide EHR platform to enhance care coordination and improve patient outcomes.
The Cerner Era
For many years, Cerner served as Ascension’s primary EHR vendor. The goal was to connect all Ascension care facilities to a single EHR, streamlining workflows and facilitating seamless information exchange. This was a massive undertaking, aiming to improve the quality of care across the entire spectrum of inpatient settings. Ascension touted the health IT achievements resulting from this Cerner implementation, highlighting improvements in areas such as medication reconciliation and clinical documentation.
The Epic Emergence
However, the EHR landscape is constantly shifting, and healthcare organizations must adapt to stay competitive and meet evolving needs. Ascension’s decision to implement Epic Systems in certain regions, such as Ascension Wisconsin, signals a strategic shift. This move suggests that Ascension recognized the need for potentially different EHR solutions tailored to specific regional requirements or operational priorities. The Epic implementation in Wisconsin, beginning with legacy Columbia St. Mary’s hospitals and clinics, demonstrates this targeted approach. A planned rollout for hospitals and clinics in the Fox Valley further solidifies this expansion of Epic within the Ascension network.
Why the Shift?
Several factors could contribute to this dual-platform approach. Epic is often lauded for its robust functionality and user-friendliness, particularly among physicians. While Cerner offers its own strengths, Epic’s interface and features might have been deemed a better fit for certain Ascension regions. Furthermore, Epic’s “Community Connect” program, allowing the extension of its EHR to affiliated providers, could be a compelling factor for integrated networks like Ascension. This approach fosters better data sharing and collaboration within the broader care community.
The Current Landscape
Understanding Ascension’s current EHR landscape requires recognizing that both Cerner and Epic systems likely co-exist within the organization. Some facilities remain on the Cerner platform, while others have transitioned to Epic. This hybrid approach reflects the complexity of large healthcare systems and the challenges of implementing a one-size-fits-all EHR solution.
Navigating the EHR Maze: What It Means for Patients and Providers
This dual-platform environment presents both opportunities and challenges.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Care Coordination: When implemented effectively, both Epic and Cerner can improve care coordination by providing clinicians with a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history.
- Enhanced Patient Engagement: Both platforms offer patient portals that empower individuals to access their health information, schedule appointments, and communicate with their care teams.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: EHRs generate valuable data that can be used to improve clinical outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency.
Potential Challenges
- Interoperability Issues: Maintaining seamless data exchange between different EHR systems (Cerner and Epic) can be challenging. Ensuring interoperability is crucial for avoiding data silos and facilitating comprehensive care.
- Training and Support: Supporting two different EHR platforms requires significant investment in training and support for clinicians and staff.
- Data Standardization: Ensuring data standardization across both platforms is essential for accurate reporting and analysis.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Ascension and EHRs
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of Ascension’s EHR usage and the broader EHR landscape.
1. What EHR system did Ascension initially implement across its facilities?
Ascension initially implemented Cerner as its primary EHR system across its care facilities.
2. Why would a hospital system like Ascension choose to use multiple EHR platforms?
Different regions might have specific needs better met by different platforms. Epic’s physician satisfaction scores might be higher in some areas, or its functionalities might better align with regional workflows.
3. What is Epic’s Community Connect program, and why is it relevant to Ascension?
Epic’s Community Connect program allows larger healthcare systems to extend their Epic EHR to affiliated providers, creating a more integrated network. This could appeal to Ascension for connecting its various clinics and partners.
4. Is Epic better than Cerner?
“Better” is subjective and depends on the specific needs of the organization. Epic is often praised for its user interface and robust features, while Cerner offers different strengths, potentially including cost.
5. What are the key differences between Epic and Cerner?
Epic is often considered a more closed system, with less emphasis on interoperability, while Cerner emphasizes interoperability. Epic is also known for its strong internal integration, linking websites with EHR.
6. Why do some hospitals switch from Cerner to Epic?
Hospitals might switch due to factors such as higher physician satisfaction with Epic, more robust features for their specific needs, or a desire for better integration within their network.
7. What are the disadvantages of using Epic?
Epic can be expensive and is sometimes criticized for its limited interoperability with other systems, potentially charging fees for data sharing with non-Epic platforms.
8. Which is cheaper, Epic or Cerner?
Generally, Cerner is considered the less expensive option, particularly for smaller practices. Epic implementations can have significant upfront and ongoing costs.
9. How do EHR systems like Epic and Cerner impact patient care?
EHRs can improve patient care by providing clinicians with a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history, facilitating better communication, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
10. What is interoperability, and why is it important in healthcare?
Interoperability refers to the ability of different EHR systems to exchange data seamlessly. It’s crucial for ensuring that healthcare providers have access to a complete picture of a patient’s health, regardless of where they receive care.
11. Do nurses use Epic and Cerner systems?
Yes, nurses are significant users of both Epic and Cerner. They rely on these systems for documenting patient care, administering medications, and coordinating with other members of the healthcare team. Delivering targeted training within a nurse’s workflow can greatly increase its effectiveness.
12. What is the role of patient portals in EHR systems like Epic and Cerner?
Patient portals allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, communicate with their providers, and manage their health information online.
13. What are the major challenges in implementing and maintaining EHR systems?
Challenges include high implementation costs, the need for extensive training, ensuring data security and privacy, and achieving interoperability with other systems.
14. How secure are Epic and Cerner systems?
Both Epic and Cerner invest heavily in security measures to protect patient data. However, no system is entirely immune to cyber threats, and healthcare organizations must remain vigilant in protecting against data breaches.
15. What are the future trends in EHR technology?
Future trends include increased interoperability, greater emphasis on patient engagement, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the use of cloud-based EHR solutions. Educational research within the Games Learning Society could have profound implications on EHR training and usability. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more.
The Evolving EHR Landscape
Ascension’s EHR strategy reflects the broader complexities of the healthcare IT landscape. The decision to utilize both Cerner and Epic highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in choosing the right EHR solutions. As technology continues to evolve, healthcare organizations must remain vigilant in evaluating their EHR needs and adapting their strategies to meet the changing demands of patient care and the evolving healthcare ecosystem.