Epic recognizes UK ITS efforts to reduce downtime during EHR system upgrades

During recent Epic upgrades, University of Kentucky Information Technology Services (UK ITS) has minimized end user downtime.

It’s crucial to ensure that Epic, a comprehensive electronic health record system (EHR), downtimes remain minimal. Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of UK ITS teams, the reduction in downtime has also been recognized by Epic.

While Epic undergoes upgrades, to keep UK HealthCare (UKHC) current with Epic code and functionality, end users implement standard downtime procedures.

Because of UK ITS’s ongoing work, the upgrade downtime now sits at 38 minutes, meeting Epic’s recommended target of 40 minutes or less.

This achievement places UK ITS among the top-performing organizations highlighted on the Epic User Web, which is featured across CIO Announcements, Upgrades/Nova and user experience forums.

Our Epic downtime has steadily decreased over the past six upgrades — moving from above the recommended threshold down to within Epic’s recommended goal. At times, UK ITS was among the top 25 percent of performers. That’s a reflection of the diligent work being done across teams to understand our environments and recognize opportunities for improvement.

Every step taken to reduce downtime enhances the experience for Epic end users, which helps support better health care.

Thank you to the UK ITS teams who’ve made this achievement possible.

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