Epic announced they’re moving their electronic health record (EHR) system from the current Hyperspace client application to a new Chromium browser-based end user application called Hyperdrive. As Epic moves to this new platform, many customers are viewing this as a low value, high resource project. While this is a mandatory effort driven by Epic, in truth – and with the proper preparations – it can be an opportunity to greatly improve the overall Epic user experience (UX).
The benefits of moving to this modern technology includes an enhancement and standardization of Epic’s integration abilities that leverages more APIs, a modernized user interface, new streamlined workflows, and gains in productivity. Migrating to this platform not only requires changes to Epic, but it also requires upgrades to the 3rd party applications that integrate with Hyperspace. There are also opportunities within the Epic platform itself that can add value – instead of simply replacing features with the new Hyperdrive compliant functionality, use it as an opportunity to streamline the workflows and improve overall UX.
Considerations for Improving UX with Hyperdrive
- Workflow Efficiency
With new features being deployed as part of the Hyperdrive migration – like BookIt, Cupid Smartforms, and the transition of EVS & Transport functionality to the Logistics centralized functionality – utilizing these new features can act as an opportunity to clean up the workflow. By using human-centered design process mapping, you can also understand how the system is being used today and identify any existing inefficiencies. Leveraging these principles ensures that the right content, features, and functionality are presented in the right place, at the right time, and in the right way – providing optimum user experiences. Adding in the new functionalities with an improved workflow will provide benefits to the system’s users around efficiency, improved user satisfaction, and decreased burnout. - Removing “Clicks” and Adding Automation
We’ve all heard of how many unnecessary clicks Epic users need to take to complete a task. In fact, it’s one of the largest dissatisfiers of any EHR system. Taking the time to watch and document the current steps taken to complete a task, and remove any observed extra steps along the way, will improve user satisfaction.
Additionally, if any of the affected workflows include highly repetitive and mundane work, explore the potential to incorporate robotic process automation (RPA) into the workflows to further drive efficiency. Examples could include workflows in access, patient revenue cycle, or even the clinical areas such as appointment verification, work queue routing for issue resolution, or even automated approvals of refills for chronic medications with specific criteria. - Workspace Clean Up
We all deal with an overload of digital noise. Whether it be from our phones, workstations, or media, we are bombarded with an abundance of data – and much of it not useful in the moment. There is elegance in simplicity and the same can be said for the state of our EHRs. Look at the workflow steps and identify the key information needed in order to move on to the next step. Stemming from this knowledge, only provide the tools that are needed. We often opt to add more tools and information just in case someone might need it, however this can be more harmful than helpful. Having clutter in the workspace can create confusion and inefficiencies. Limiting what is on the screen to the tools and information that are truly needed provides a more streamlined experience for users. - Documentation Template Review
Now that notes are being released to patients via portals, they are now seeing what we already knew… note bloat is a real problem. Many note templates were created to cover billing requirements. However, discrete fields in EMRs and billing requirements are evolving to streamline these templates to focus on necessary information not captured in other places in the chart. This will reduce documentation time, provide the critical information for care/billing, and allow for a more patient friendly note.
Migrating to Hyperdrive? We can help.
About the Authors
Adam Tallinger | Executive Vice President, Client Service
Adam is a highly experienced licensed pharmacist with over 30 years of experience in advisory services, EHR implementation, IT management, program and operational leadership, informatics, and healthcare operations. He has successfully led large IDN EHR implementations in the private, not-for-profit, international, and academic spaces, and is an innovator of new technologies and tools that enhance end-user experience, increase adoption, and deliver quality to clients. He received his BS degree in Pharmacy and MHA degree in Informatics. To learn more about Adam, visit him on LinkedIn or schedule a Calendly meeting.
Dana Locke | Vice President, Delivery
Dana brings 25 years of Healthcare IT experience with a focus on EMR implementation, adoption, and project management. She ahs lead development of project management offices, governance models, and application rationalization strategies to improve the adoption of technology and increase revenue. Dana worked at several EMR vendor and large healthcare systems before joining Divurgent in 2022. To learn more about Dana, visit her on LinkedIn.
