CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital is transitioning to Epic, a new multimillion-dollar electronic health record (EHR) system designed to enhance the coordination of care and improve efficiency for clinical staff and patients.

The EHR transition, taking place Oct. 3, follows extensive planning and preparation over many months to help ensure a smooth transition for patients, physicians, nurses and staff, according to a VCH news release. Hospital leaders said they expect patients to experience no disruption in care during the transition.

“With the implementation of Epic, our physicians, nurses and staff in Clarksville will have easier access to a unified health record system that spans our entire (Vanderbilt) health system,” said Jane Freedman, MD, deputy chief executive officer and chief health system officer for Vanderbilt Health, in the release. “Through this investment, we are providing our clinicians with the most up-to-date platform that will allow them to have a more comprehensive picture of their patients’ medical history and improve the coordination of their care.”

In February, Vanderbilt Health purchased the 270-bed Clarksville facility to create Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital, and the technology update is one of many changes VCH has been making.

National record access, workflow integration

Because Epic is used by health systems across the country, clinicians will be able to access information shared through Epic’s nationwide network, giving them broader insight into patients’ medical history and previous care, the release said.

To support the new system, VCH has invested in hundreds of new computer workstations and new devices designed to improve reliability, performance and access. Additional investments include upgraded printers, scanners and networking equipment.

To support employees and providers during the transition, experienced Epic users and technical experts will be present when the technology goes live, the release said.

| BUSINESS OWNERS: Click here for a free consultation for advertising your business on Clarksville Now