An “EPIC” story

Last June under the heading Countdown to new era at SFMH begins, The Current published news of the countdown to implementation of the EPIC health information system at St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH). Click HERE to read.  In a press release dated May 17 SFMH announced that EPIC will go live on schedule on June 1. Shown above: A number of SFMH staff have received additional training to be of assistance during the transition.  They will be easily identified by their coloured T-Shirts and “Super User” armbands. (photo submitted)

Mary Ellen Harris, SFMH Director of Patient Care Services and CNE, said, “With the new digital system, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers in the partner organizations will be able to quickly and efficiently look up patients’ medical history, pre-existing conditions, test results, medications and more, leaving more time for care.”

The partner organizations she refers to are The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa Hospital Academic Family Health Team, Hawkesbury & District General Hospital and Renfrew Victoria Hospital.  Pictured inset: entrance to an EPIC training suite for the Ottawa Heart Institute

SFMH advises that patients will notice a change in practice with healthcare providers documenting care on electronic devices and work stations instead of on a paper chart.

“State of the art security and backup measures will be in place to safeguard information,” says Greg McLeod, SFMH Chief Operating Officer.

Following going live on June 1, the media release notes: There will be a learning curve that may result in processes taking a little longer as we transition into the new system and wait times may be longer than usual. Please be patient with staff and physicians while we learn the new system. Your care is always our top priority.

St. Francis Memorial Hospital (2019, May17) 21st century patient-centred care goes live at SFMH on June 1 [press release]