By: Craig Norquist, MD, chief medical information officer

Several important updates to our Epic system and clinical workflows are now live following our recent upgrade.

1. Epic upgrade successfully implemented

Our recent Epic upgrade is complete and live across the system. All upgrade features are tested in a backup environment prior to release, but sometimes unforeseen issues arise in the live, production environment.

• If you encounter issues: Contact your department leader or the informatics team. For technical issues impacting patient care, submit a service desk ticket for prompt resolution.

2. EHR Experience Survey results

The KLAS Arch Collaborative survey results are in! We’ve improved in many areas and continue working on enhancement opportunities.

• Stay informed: Survey results and improvement initiatives are discussed at CTEC meetings — sign up here.

3. Insulin infusion protocol update

We’ve transitioned to Epic’s foundation insulin infusion algorithm and build. This primarily affects nursing workflows, but please report any process changes that could impact patient outcomes.

4. Important documentation change coming soon: Note editing

What will change: The “Edit/Addend” button will be removed due to documentation integrity and ethical concerns. Upon investigation, it was found that the addend button allowed a second provider to edit the original note creator’s note and sign it as their own.

What to do instead:

• Supervising physicians co-signing APP notes: Use the “Attest” function to add commentary (including SmartPhrases).
• If changes are needed: The original note creator should make edits.
• If they’re unavailable: Document necessary corrections in the attestation field.

5. Generative AI features expanding

AI tools are rolling out faster than expected! We’re developing a comprehensive rollout plan with guardrails to ensure safe, effective use and maximize benefit across the organization.

• Inpatient providers: Inpatient Insights, AI Text Assistant and more.
• Ambulatory providers: Automated InBasket responses and Ambulatory Insights for scheduled visits.

Questions? Contact Craig Norquist, MD or Matthew Anderson, MD (ambulatory).

6. Precision medicine advancement: Genetics and pharmacogenomics

New Epic modules enable clinical decision support based on individual genetic profiles, bringing us closer to precision medicine.

• How it works: Genetic testing results from integrated labs populate discrete fields for screening and medication management guidance based on individual patient metabolic responses.
• Current impact: Limited to patients who have completed testing; will expand over time.

7. Become an Epic SmartUser

Learn tips and tricks to use Epic more efficiently.

• Benefits: Earn certification, get early access to new features, and be first in line to pilot new technology.
• Get started: Type “efficiency” in your Epic search bar.

Questions? Contact the Informatics team or your department leader.

Epic tip: “What’s New” updates are moving to a new format

As of Nov. 9, Epic’s monthly update bulletins have moved to a new location within the system. You’ll now see a megaphone icon in Epic two weeks before each update, linking to a tailored “What’s New” page specific to your department and role.

You can also search What’s New in your main Epic search bar at any time to view current and recent updates.

View the tipsheet for more information.