better medicine An interview with
JIM
WELDON
Jim, how has the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) through the Epic software progressed since St. Anthony’s began the process in January 2010?
Jim Weldon, 46, joined St. Anthony’s more than two years ago as Director of Information Services for St. Anthony’s Physician Organization (SAPO). Previously, he served for 21 years at Saint Louis University, the last 11 as Director of Information Technology for all clinical, academic and research departments.
Phase 1of the EMR involved the installation of a computer in each patient room, and focused on establishing the patient’s online medical record and the medication management cycle. Phase 2 broadened that reach, incorporating Nursing, Radiology and the Emergency Department as well as physician order entry, and created a database that allows caregivers to review and research their information in ways that will improve the patient’s care. Phase 3, launched on July 1, integrates nearly everyone at the medical center into Epic. This transformation will allow staff to complete realtime documentation during anesthesia and surgery; manage more effectively case loads and supplies; improve patient care, convenience and safety; and minimize errors. Going end to end, Epic constitutes 70 percent of the workflows, but we’re also
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standardizing 175 different systems, including existing EMRs operating in Cancer Care Services, Physical Therapy, Heart Specialty Associates and St. Anthony’s Physician Organization (SAPO). What should everyone know about the EMR and the Epic software?
The focus is not on the technology, but rather on the overall patient experience. Adoption of this comprehensive EMR allows us to improve patient safety, quality outcomes and profitability. Moreover, it has forged new levels of collaboration between physicians, nursing staff and hospital leadership. St. Anthony’s was among a small group of hospitals nationwide honored in March for attaining a Stage 6 score in HIMSS Analytics’ United States Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, or EMRAM. What does that mean?
Ultimately, it means that this hospital has made a significant commitment and investment to reach this stage. Stage spotlight | july 2013