An EPIC Week

I've spent close to 10 hours this week in a classroom learning about EPIC, the new electronic medical record software our hospital will be switching to shortly.  As soon as I discovered that there was actually a class to teach us how to use the software my expectations immediately were lowered.  Then when I got to the class, we were told that this was a very basic introduction to the system.

The fact that doctors are being forced to use these insanely complex systems is absurd in my opinion.  We have a dictation and charting system that has been used for years that is effective and quick.  With more and more demands on our time I question the value of having doctors doing what basically is secretary work.  Furthermore, if we are going to be forced to use these systems, they should be intuitive and easy to use.  They should not require a ten hour course to learn "the basics" and we should not have a screen that has about 100 button choices to chose from.

You might be fooled into thinking that being younger and growing up around computers would benefit me.  I am sure that to a certain extent I can pick up on things quicker since I've basically been around computers my entire life.  But no way could I walk up to a computer running one of these systems and figure out how to get it to do what I want it to without training and/or experience.  That's a real problem in my opinion.  These systems should be as intuitive as using Google.

Wings. Beer. Sports.

This past weekend was the first full weekend I've had off in over a month.  I took full advantage of it by doing nothing and it was everything I imagined it would be.  Below are pictures summing up what went on.  Lots of sports, to say the least.

Birthday Wishes

Thank you so much to everyone who wished me happy birthday.  Despite work, I had a pretty good weekend.  Sarah got me this tasty and amusing ice cream cake from Dairy Queen.

This weekend I have completely off and I have a 10 wings for free coupon to Hooters so I am going to take full advantage of that on Saturday afternoon.  Enjoy!