Only the Beginning

Linda S. McCauley, Director
Clinical Informatics

We all become more savvy the more we use our cell phones, tablets, computers and DVRs. We fine-tune what we need, and ignore what we don’t want. We adapt to the new technology and enjoy the benefits of information at our fingertips. You probably “have an app for that!” … whatever that is.

 

Yet, you know there is something new/different/better just around the corner, don’t you? It seems you’ve only just gotten comfortable with that new phone when the next best thing comes along.

Even though I’ve spent months on the team developing the inpatient electronic medical records (EMR) system for MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and I seem to have worked 24/7 for the last week as we transitioned to the new system, the launch of MedConnect II, to me, is a bit like “waiting for the next best thing.” I know our journey has really just begun. We are at the beginning of a very exciting venture in health care.

As we continue on this journey, we will improve the health of the people who live in our communities. We will have solid data that will tell us where to focus our preventative programs. We will connect our patients to more efficient and timely care. We will develop ways to make care even safer.

Our electronic medical records system will always be changing, always be evolving, always improving. Even with the enormous planning efforts, the years of development, the tens of thousands of hours of classes, we are just beginning to put into action what we call the “living use” of MedConnect.

That doesn’t happen with a flip of a switch. It takes time.

Linda S. McCauley, RN

Director, Clinical Informatics