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For patients, an
Epic
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WE LIVE IN a digital age. It affects
every aspect of our lives. In our health
care, electronic medical records (EMR)
is an area that has been evolving quickly
as hospitals and medical care providers
move away from paper charts and records.
The new“one patient, one chart”
Epic system at Kadlec links all hospital
departments, clinics and services,
creating a single electronic record of a
patient’s entire medical history.
“With providers having a patient’s
up-to-date status and treatment plan at
their fingertips, it should improve the
patient experience,” said Alex Scortzaru,
Kadlec’s Epic project director. “Patients
also will be answering fewer repetitive
questions. For example, if a nurse asks
about allergies and notes it in the electronic
record, future providers can see that
answer without having to ask it again.”
Protecting patients’ privacy
One of the most important features of the Epic system is its emphasis on the
protection of each patient’s confidentiality and privacy. And, it’s also something that
Kadlec sees as critical and takes very seriously.
“Access to any information on the Epic system is on a ‘need to know’ basis,” said
Dave Roach, Kadlec vice president of Information Systems. “If someone doesn’t have
a reason to access information they cannot access it. I cannot access patient medical
records, even though I work for Kadlec, because I don’t need that information. The
system only allows those who need access, and only the portion of information that
they need.”
Kadlec itself has a very strict policy on access to patient information, said Roach.
“And Epic supports that policy with very strict built-in safety systems.”
A computerized system can in many instances provide higher levels of security
than possible with conventional paper records, said Roach. Because Epic tracks
access, audit trails can show how and when records are accessed and the types of
information accessed and the system can deny inappropriate access.
“Certain information is considered extremely sensitive, and it is kept behind
additional walls. The only way to access it is to do what we call ‘break the glass,’”
said Roach. “There are very strict rules in place to protect patient safety and security.
Epic is a system that enhances patients’ privacy and safety.”
Patient safety is increased with the
electronic ordering of medications, built-
in drug checks and best practice alerts.
However, patients will have even
more direct benefits with Epic’s
My K-Chart application, a web-based
system devoted to helping patients
take charge of their own health care.
Through My K-Chart, patients can
securely log in from anywhere in the
world and:
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Access selected portions of the patient’s
personalized medical record from all
providers within Kadlec’s Epic system
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Review test results
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Make appointments, pay bills, request
prescription refills online
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Send and receive secure messages with
providers
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Receive health-screening reminders
and access reliable health information
“My K-Chart encourages patient
engagement in their own health care,”
said Scortzaru. “They have 24-hour
access to their medical information,
make appointments at their convenience
and find health information that they
know is reliable. They can even print
growth charts. It’s accessible whether
they are across town, in another state or
in another country.”
There is even an iPhone app available.
How you can access My K-Chart
“If you are a new patient, you will
receive information about how to access
My K-Chart,” said Scortzaru. “Existing
patients can get instructions on how to
access it at their next appointment, or they
can call their primary care physician’s office
and they will be given the access code.”
Epic’s freestanding personal health
record, called Lucy, offers patients an
additional option. It is a health diary
that can plug into My K-Chart —
or disconnect from it, which means
patients can take it with them wherever
they go. Patients can also organize
the medical information in one place
that is readily accessible and include
information from My K-Chart or
upload standards-compliant Continuity
of Care documents from other facilities.
Patients also benefit from the wide
implementation of the Epic system
across the country. “Should one of our
patients move to another community
and need medical care, if that provider
or hospital uses the Epic system, that
patient’s complete medical records are
easily transferable,” said Scortzaru.