Covid-19 pandemic changed the healthcare IT landscape. It pushed EMR Software vendors to update software features and capabilities to handle the pandemic and improve overall care delivery. Epic EMR software solution, has been quick to respond to the pandemic and has updated their software system specific to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Up to 96% of hospitals and 86% of physician offices have adopted them, in the United States. It is important that the design and functionality of EHR software systems improve the ability of providers to deliver optimum care during the COVID-19 crisis.
What are the new Epic software updates?
Automatic Scheduling of Follow-up Appointments
Through Epic MyChart patients are sent automatic reminders and alerts for their second dose of vaccine depending upon which manufacturer’s vaccine they received. For instance, Pfizer’s second dose of vaccine is due after 21 days of the first shot. Moderna’s vaccine second dose is required after 28 days of the first dose. This helps patients to get their vaccine at the right time and complete their vaccination dosages effectively.
Decision Support Tools
Updated reminders make sure that patients receive the correct vaccine when they show up for their second vaccine shot.
Support for Mobile Workflows in Drive-Through Sites
New updates and additional support to Epic’s mobile app, Rover helps to track and monitor vaccine administrations in drive-through settings and mass vaccination settings.
COVID-19 Vaccine Analytics
The latest COVID-19 vaccine analytics provides metrics that help healthcare organizations keep track of the vaccination progress. It shows how many people have been vaccinated for the virus and who still needs to get vaccinated. This way people who haven’t got the vaccination can be reached out promptly.
MyChart Vaccination Status
Patients can easily share their immunization records or status with their employer, physician, or school. Patients have also the facility to complete vaccination questionnaires.
How healthcare providers are benefitting from the COVID-19 vaccine-specific updates?
Hospitals and healthcare organizations can use MyChart to communicate with patients and send directed notifications to them. Health systems can easily categorize priority patients that require the vaccine urgently based on factors such as, age, underlying conditions, and occupational status.
Healthcare providers can use Epic EMR software solutions to communicate effectively with their patients after they have received their vaccination dosage. This way they can better track any potential side effects from the vaccine and offer assistance. The powerful software system can also pull together adverse event data for submission to the CDC’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, also known as VAERS.
Epic also facilitates providers to easily share vaccine-related data electronically in real-time with public health agencies and local Immunization Information Systems. This supports public health reporting and helps public health agencies with health care planning.
Moving Ahead
Epic EMR software has been proactive with its efforts in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The updates in features are both beneficial for providers and patients, to help enhance patient outcome levels and managing healthcare delivery.
