New Epic Systems Training Tutorial Released
A new Epic Systems tutorial for 2026 was recently published, providing updated guidance on the EHR's latest modules and user interface. Such training materials are relevant as health systems like Memorial Hermann continue to optimize Epic for specialized environments such as the ICU. Key topics often include order set customization and ICU-specific flowsheet design.
- To transition into nursing informatics, professionals can obtain certifications like the Nursing Informatics-Board Certified (NI-BC) credential from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which requires an active RN license, a bachelor's degree, two years of full-time RN experience, and 30 hours of continuing education in informatics. - A significant source of frustration for frontline nurses using EHRs is poor system usability and response times, including slow loading and login processes, which are seen as contributors to burnout. A 2024 report noted that 17% of nurses cited inefficient EHR workflows as a contributor to burnout, and two-thirds consider EHR satisfaction when evaluating a job. - The 21st Century Cures Act, implemented by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), mandates the adoption of standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow patients secure access to their electronic health information (EHI) at no cost. This policy directly impacts the work of informatics specialists by prioritizing interoperability and patient data access. - Interoperability standards like HL7 FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) are crucial for modern health IT, enabling different EHR systems to exchange data using web-based technologies like RESTful APIs. This allows for the development of applications for clinical decision support and enhances data sharing across platforms. - Epic Systems is integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to augment clinical workflows, with over 100 AI features in development. A recent development is an AI-powered feature that ambiently listens to patient visits and drafts clinical notes. - Nursing informaticists act as a bridge between clinical practice and information technology, focusing on optimizing clinical systems, training staff, and analyzing data to improve patient outcomes. Their responsibilities often include managing EHRs and ensuring data is used effectively to support care delivery. - Memorial Hermann Health System completed its transition to a single Epic EHR system across its 17 hospitals and over 250 care sites in October 2024. This multi-year project, initiated in 2023, replaced their previous Oracle Health system to create a unified platform for patient records, scheduling, and billing. - Obtaining an Epic certification typically requires employer sponsorship, as Epic does not offer it directly to the general public. These certifications are module-specific, such as for inpatient clinical documentation or ambulatory care, and are highly sought after by healthcare organizations.
