For those who have been accessing CUBS Powerchart, you’ve noted some changes more related to the color scheme than any new functionality. That may seem like a minor upgrade, but under the “hood” is a major release of new code (2012) in which our new Tower applications have been built and which paves the way for implementing ICD-10 coding. Unlike our recent unscheduled down time (see below), the transition to our new code was very well planned and extensively tested before going live. Kudos are due to our IT staff and Cerner for making this pretty much a non-event for our clinicians. There are still a few issues being investigated and fixed, but they’re relatively minor in nature.
Not so well planned was our unexpected downtime through much of the working day on July 23rd. Cerner maintains our application servers and database back in Kansas City. Many other clients have also chosen this “remote hosting” option, which has proven to be quite reliable. A human error that took several hours to correct brought systems down for all these remote-hosted clients. I know this created a lot of extra work for everyone providing care here at CHOC. Thank you all for your dedication in helping us recreate the care provided in the system.
We are beginning to discuss training needs for physicians utilizing new technology related to our new Tower services. Training strategies will vary based on the department. Once we have a plan in place, we’ll let you know what resources will be available to you for this training. Based on needs, there will be a combination of web-based training, classroom training, on-the-job training, and “cheat sheets” to serve as reference materials. There will be specialty-specific needs and strategies to fill them.
