Epic EHR Innovations To Improve Patient Experience

In today’s healthcare landscape, patient experience is paramount. Leading the charge in elevating care is Epic EHR, a cutting-edge system designed with patient-centricity at its core. This article delves into Epic’s advancements, showcasing innovative tools that empower patients and providers alike.  Discover how features like enhanced patient portals and seamless telehealth integration are not only streamlining healthcare processes but also fostering meaningful patient engagement and paving the way for a truly personalized healthcare experience.

Empowering Patients Through Epic EHR Innovations

Epic EHR is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of healthcare providers and patients. Let’s explore some of the most impactful innovations that can significantly enhance patient experiences and streamline workflows:

Patient Portal

More than just a static repository for health records, the Epic Patient Portal is becoming a dynamic hub for patient engagement.

• Enhanced Features: New features include secure messaging with care teams, online appointment scheduling, medication refill requests, personalized health reminders, and educational resources tailored to specific conditions.
• Improved Accessibility: Epic is focusing on making the portal more user-friendly with intuitive design, mobile optimization, and accessibility features for users with disabilities.
• Increased Engagement: By empowering patients to actively participate in their care, the portal fosters a stronger patient-provider relationship and encourages greater adherence to treatment plans.

MyChart

This mobile app extends the power of the Patient Portal to smartphones and tablets, offering convenience and on-the-go access to health information.

• Personalized Experience: MyChart allows patients to customize their experience by choosing the information they want to see and how they want to receive notifications.
• Connection & Communication: With MyChart, patients can easily connect with their care team, access test results, view their medical history, and manage appointments from anywhere.
• Expanded Functionality: Newer features include symptom checkers, virtual visit integration, and even the ability to pay bills online, further streamlining the healthcare experience.

Telehealth

Epic is deeply integrating telehealth capabilities within its EHR, making virtual visits a seamless part of the care delivery model.

• Simplified Workflows: Providers can schedule, conduct, and document telehealth visits directly within the EHR, reducing administrative burden and improving efficiency.
• Enhanced Patient Access: Telehealth expands access to care for patients in remote areas, those with limited mobility, or those who simply prefer the convenience of a virtual visit.
• Improved Care Continuity: By integrating telehealth with the EHR, patient data from virtual visits is readily available, ensuring continuity of care and informed decision-making.

Personalized Medicine

Epic EHR is facilitating the integration of personalized medicine by incorporating genomic data into patient records.

• Genetic Insights: Clinicians can access and analyze patient genetic information within the EHR to make more informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention.
• Pharmacogenomics: Epic supports pharmacogenomic testing, allowing providers to prescribe medications based on a patient’s genetic makeup, increasing efficacy and minimizing adverse drug reactions.
• Risk Assessment: By incorporating family history and genetic data, Epic can help identify patients at higher risk for certain conditions, enabling proactive interventions and preventative care.

Population Health Management

Epic is leveraging data analytics to support population health initiatives and improve outcomes for entire communities.

• Data-Driven Insights: Epic EHR can aggregate and analyze patient data to identify trends, risk factors, and health disparities within specific populations.
• Care Coordination: Tools within Epic facilitate care coordination across multiple providers and settings, improving care for patients with complex needs or chronic conditions.
• Outcome Measurement: Epic enables tracking and reporting on population health metrics, allowing organizations to measure the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement.

Achieving Positive Patient Outcomes Through Epic EHR Innovations

Epic EHR is revolutionizing patient care by introducing groundbreaking features that directly enhance patient outcomes. By fostering greater satisfaction, boosting engagement, and improving adherence to treatment plans, Epic empowers both patients and providers.

Key examples of this impact include:

• Patient-Reported Outcomes: Integrating patient-reported outcome assessment tools within the personal health portal allows patients to actively participate in their care management.¹ This direct feedback loop helps providers tailor treatment plans and improve the overall patient experience.

• Preventive Care: A study at UC Davis Health demonstrated that Epic’s Healthy Planet tool increased patient adherence to preventive care services, such as cancer screenings and vaccinations, by identifying care gaps through personalized EHR data reports.² By leveraging personalized EHR data reports to identify care gaps, providers can proactively address potential health risks and improve patient outcomes.

• Enhanced Communication: Optimizing Epic’s In Basket messaging system has been shown to save clinicians 10-20 minutes per day and decrease message volume by nearly 1,000 messages daily, allowing more time for patient interaction and dramatically improving clinical efficiency.³ 

The Future of Patient-Centered Care

As healthcare technology continues to evolve, ongoing innovation within the Epic EHR ecosystem is essential. By prioritizing features that facilitate patient engagement and streamline clinical workflows, Epic is driving improvements in health outcomes and patient satisfaction. This commitment to adapting and enhancing EHR systems ensures that patients receive the highest quality, patient-centered care possible.

Partner with Medix for Epic EHR Success

Implementing and optimizing Epic EHR is a significant undertaking, but with the right partner, it can transform your organization’s efficiency and patient care. Medix is here to guide you every step of the way, from pre-implementation planning and system configuration to ongoing optimization and support. Our expert team, coupled with flexible workforce solutions like MedixDirect® and MedixFlex™, ensures you have the right talent at the right time to meet your unique needs. Ready to unlock the full potential of Epic EHR? Contact Medix today and let us help you build a foundation for success.

References:

1. Chishtie, Jawad, Natalie Sapiro, Natalie Wiebe, Leora Rabatach, Diane Lorenzetti, Alexander A. Leung, Doreen Rabi, Hude Quan, and Cathy A. Eastwood, “Use of Epic Electronic health record system for health care research: A scoping review.” Journal of Medical Internet Research, December 15, 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10757236/.
2. Rodriguez, Sarai, “Epic Healthy Planet Increased Patient Adherence to Preventive Care: TechTarget,” Health IT and EHR, March 25, 2022. https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/news/366578750/Epic-Healthy-Planet-Increased-Patient-Adherence-to-Preventive-Care.
3. Tegria, “Epic EHR Optimization Saves Clinician Time, Increases Efficiency,” Tegria, September 9, 2024. https://www.tegria.com/resources/case-studies/advancing-strategic-clinical-and-financial-improvements.