As always, we appreciate each and every one of us being vigilant in opening attachments to emails, and entering usernames and passwords into websites while on the system network. Our information security (InfoSec), physical security, informatics and IT teams are working together to try our best to prepare for a cyber security event. Many of you are aware of other healthcare institutions that have been impacted by such events from Scripps in San Diego to University of Vermont Health Network, and more recently and locally is Dignity or CommonSpirit Health here in town. Many of these attacks started as a ransomware event through an email ‘phishing scam,’ similar to those that we test our systems for regularly.

Next month, our InfoSec team will share updates on some of their efforts against such scams, as well as explain one recent attack that could have taken down a significant part of our network and impacted our ability to see patients. While we do everything we can to prevent such attacks, we are taking a position of ‘not if but when’ one happens and try to be as prepared as possible. More to come on this topic.

The informatics team is shifting its focus to become more proactive with rounding and clinic immersions. We are working closely with our IT training colleagues to provide as much additional preference lab and proficiency training as necessary, but we need to get more input from our physicians and providers on when and where these might best be held. Please reach out to me or IT training for more information.

Physician Advisory Group (PAG) is dissolving after more than a decade of great work. Formed by Mary Ann Turley, DO, back when Epic was introduced to the John C. Lincoln and Deer Valley medical centers, PAG continued to be an important group that reviewed and approved significant changes to Epic in many realms. The creation of the domain structure has made the need for PAG less relevant as an approval body, and attendance was becoming a challenge. We will work within the domain structures, as well as department meetings, to continue to provide physicians with opportunities to optimize all things related to tech in healthcare.

As a reminder to everyone who participates in online meetings on Teams, Zoom, WebEx or other platforms, often the meetings are recorded, or automatically transcribed and shared. This usually includes the chat, and even any GIFs or photos placed in those fields. Please use your best professional judgement while on such meetings.

Changes have been made to NPO diet exception in Epic. Below are screenshots of the changes which are in place as of Tuesday, Feb. 21.

We are also going to be releasing our own short tips and tricks videos for physicians and team members, and will cover a variety of topics from individualizing your Epic screens to accessing tools like Slicer Dicer and M*Modal tips. If there are additional general topics you feel should be covered, please reach out to me at [email protected]