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Hi there! I’m speaking from experience with several switches to Epic and being a trainer that assisted a large health system transition the smaller hospitals within the group. Transitioning to any new EHR can be chaotic. Transitioning to Epic I’ve found is even more chaotic depending on the resources your organization puts into the transition. For example, how many super users you’ll have available to support your unit on each shift or how helpful the command center staff are. I’ve never had a transition go without issues, it’s impossible. There will be bumps and fires to put out for several months post go-live. You’ll also feel like none of the required trainings help you much, but a few takeaways…
1. It gets better. The first few months will seem LONG, but once you get the hang of navigating, you’ll question why you it took so long to get Epic.
2. Epic is a beast! There are several ways to document / navigate to the same thing. Pick your way and stick to it at first. Repetition matters. You’ll learn some of the other ways along the way.
3. Finally, be the voice of reason. You’ll always have some folks who run around with their head on fire and get snappy out of frustration. Remember everyone is in it together and is learning, so there is no need to be negative. This too shall pass!
Hope this helps and best wishes on the transition!
I agree, EPIC system is the easiest to use as long as you have proper training. My hospital trained us in a seminar room for 2 whole days. For a week, we have EPIC people during the transition from old system to EPIC. Now it's easier to use as I've used it for more than 2 years. The IV pumps are also connected via Bluetooth to EPIC and it goes to the IV infusion verify in your pc.
Yes I have! I was with a small cardiology practice that was bought out by a giant hospital. We all had to undergo epic training. Which for us was a week. We then had purple epic ppl there with us the day of our “go live” it was a chaotic mess. But the epic ppl are really helpful. And epic is very easy to operate once you are in it. There are many ways to get to the same answer, which makes training hard because what is good for you may not work for someone else.
Epic is very easy to operate and I found it useful when I input the information it'll appear in multiple flowsheets.
I have been trained on it about 7 times. I don't care for it as it isn't really tailored for the clinics owned by the hospital. I got trained on things I will never use. I'm not a huge fan of EPIC. Oddly I really like Athena and how easy it is to navigate. EPIC has you jumping screens to get all the info you need.
And what Director 1 said ...
I also liked cerner. I used it at 2 companies and it was pretty easy to use
You'll get thru it. Yes it's messy and frustrating just be patient with yourselves. I worked for a large organization and we had epic over 13 years ago. It's forever changing. Just roll with the process and always ask for help. Wish you all the best!
Thank you!
Just went through this change a few weeks ago. The first few days were hectic but by the end of the week, we were flowing smoothly
Okay not bad, that sounds pretty quick
Yes (twice) and yes, but things will work out. Both times we had super users and others on hand to help with any issues.
It’s messy and chaotic for awhile. My organization had Epic send a massive crew of staff to help with the transition as well as our own “super users”. I didn’t find the transition too bad, especially moving from an ancient version of Meditech.
You can self learn it and adjust it, personalize for your liking.
Rising Star
Epic is great. "Hover to discover" is such a lame sounding phrase but it's amazing. I love I can hover over a patients name and easily call family without having to switch my main page. I can split my epic screen so I can see a note while I'm writing my note. I can create for phrases and templates too. I love the post it notes where I can keep notes for me and another where I can post important notes for everyone that checks that chart.
Epic is also buildable. It is the Lego of charting, if you don't like it or want something specific it can be designed or added. So give your company feedback, if they are willing to pay the fees epic will design whatever you need.
Awesome, good to know
Pro
Yes EHR changes can be tough but hopefully this will be worth it in the end!
Just like everyone said transition to anything is chaotic. We are a very big company so I have to work off 6 programs as they all have their different functions. For me in the beginning Epic looked like it could be confusing, but it’s pretty user friendly. I know even system changes can be tough especially when you have to go live in a short period of time. Everyone finds their way to navigate through it. Like someone mentioned I prefer Athena because there’s a lot you can do on 1 system, and for us the company tailors to are needs as we meet with them once a week, so I’m going to assume people that work for Epic will be available to you with the training. The way I look at transitioning for anything in business, it’s a good thing, the more you learn, the more you can put on your resume or have more doors open for you. Good luck!!!
I don't think anyone from EPIC will be available as far as I know... I wonder why, since I see a few people mentioned that they had this during their transitions
Been through it twice. Expect a lot of chaos and employees complaining for the first month, then it will smooth out. Just know that, whatever ehr you're using now, epic will require twice as many clicks to do what you're used to.
No, not more clicking!! Lol
Even a small practice conversion is chaotic. The doctors don't do most of the required training before going live. So trainers are usually stuck with the providers actually training them at go-live. Then you run into the problems that were not really covered during your training that is specific to your practice. Just be calm and try to learn from the experience. Take lots of notes to go back and ask the trainers.
We transitioned years ago to Epic I believe it’s an easy program to work with. The training we went through before live was useless for us so depending on your role hopefully the training you get is for what you do I work in the ambulatory offices the program our hospital went purchased us the inpatient program so the training we were provided where useless when we went live for what I do. I was alone in my department they had all the super users in the other departments so I had no choice to figure out how to do what needed to be done in my own. When I did run into an issue the super users or IT did not know how to fix what my issue was. I ended up fixing it in my own and then had to train all of the green / yellow vest Epic trainers
That sounds so difficult, sorry to hear that. I know that there are going to be a few super users around but no one from EPIC as far as I know, so idk how helpful it will be but I guess we'll see
As part of my job, I access EPIC to do chart reviews and it is very easy for me to find the information that I need to complete the review. Only complaint is that I wish the MDs used the "progress notes" sections for their notes and not use both "progress notes" and miscellaneous notes". But, the training you'll receive should provide you with everything you need. Good luck.
You will do great. Change is always hard, but I feel Epic is a great change. The training doesn't really prepare you for your actually duties on at work, but you will pick up really quickly. Good luck to you.
We did it in July 2023 and I am still learning
Yes and no. As long as you have super users it helps a lot. Just try to be patient with the process. I know its frustrating and painful. I wish you the best!
Yep we have and it honestly wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Like others said you will get through it but the biggest hurdle is dealing with the people who are resistant to change and aren't going to want to learn how to use the new EHR.
I went through the transaction when our hospital went from paper charts into Epic many years ago. Personally, I found that transition easy. EPIC is a user friendly system and you can personalize it however you want. Absolutely love it! Now, I work in the hospital with Cerner, let me tell you that it's a piece of crap.
I have been through a big EMR change. Attend any training sessions offered at work. Try practicing when you can. Take notes. Keep paper records, if any.
EPIC is a good medical records system. Used by a lot of facilities. Try to pace yourself in the transition and it will be good.