Regional Campus Clinics Converting to Epic

By Kate Franks

Super user training began in July, and end user training began Sept. 21.  The first of several scheduled conversions is planned for Oct. 26 in Pine Bluff and Helena.

This upgrade will affect nearly 65,000 existing patients served by these facilities across the state, providing a seamless interface with care provided by specialists at UAMS in Little Rock and at UAMS Medical Center.

Nearly 60 attending physicians and about 150 residents are among the approximately 320 clinical employees who will train on the new software. One of several benefits of the conversion is the value hands-on Epic experience will bring to residents before they transition to other institutions using this software.

“We have been planning for this conversion for several years, and we are pleased to be able to stay on schedule despite the challenges of COVID-19,” said UAMS Chief Information Officer Michael Greer. “Epic will improve patient care, productivity and revenue through streamlined processes and integration with our existing electronic health record. This is an important step in our commitment to improving the health and health care of Arkansans across the state.”

Staff will train for two weeks, and the clinics will operate with a reduced schedule for two weeks after the conversion. Training will likely include virtual support through screen-sharing to allow for physical distancing of users and trainers.

Following the Helena and Pine Bluff conversions in late October, the phased launch includes clinics in Fayetteville, Springdale and Butterfield Trail Village on Nov. 2; Batesville and Jonesboro on Nov. 9; and Texarkana, Magnolia and Fort Smith on Nov. 16.