How to Set Up Speed Buttons in EpicCare for Enhanced Workflow Efficiency

Speed Buttons in EpicCare: Your Guide to Efficiency in Patient Management

When it comes to streamlining workflows in healthcare, speed is of the essence. That's where EpicCare Ambulatory shines, especially with features like speed buttons. In this piece, we’re going to focus on why these little gems are game-changers in clinical settings, particularly how you can set them up in the Visit Info and LOS (Length of Stay) sections—two hotspots for enhancing clinical efficiency.

What’s the Big Deal About Speed Buttons?

Let’s cut to the chase: speed buttons are your backstage pass to efficient patient management. Imagine this: you’re in an important appointment, and every second counts. With speed buttons, you can quickly access relevant information or frequently used actions—essentially taking what could be a cumbersome process and turning it into a breezy walk in the park.

Clinicians can spend less time fumbling through menus and more time focusing on what truly matters: patient care. Sounds good, right?

Where Can You Find Speed Buttons?

In EpicCare, you can set up speed buttons primarily in two critical sections:

1. Visit Info

2. LOS (Length of Stay)

So, why these sections? Let me break it down for you.

Visit Info: The Heartbeat of Patient Encounters

When you enter the Visit Info section, you’re entering a treasure trove of essential patient data. Think about it—this is where you document crucial details like the purpose of the visit, patient complaints, and treatment plans. Now, imagine having immediate access to actions relevant to a specific patient visit type right at your fingertips.

Speed buttons in the Visit Info section allow you to:

• Quickly access treatment protocols

• Record patient notes without delay

• Access common orders or referrals

It's all about reducing clicks and maximizing care. The second you can minimize the number of clicks to get to your most-used actions, you're paving the way for better patient interactions, and who wouldn’t want that?

But let’s not forget about that other section…

LOS: Keeping Track of Patient Care Duration

The LOS section is all about how long a patient has been under care, which is especially vital for inpatient visits. Here’s a thought: have you ever struggled to calculate when you need to reassess a patient based on their length of stay? Utilizing speed buttons in this section means you can access critical patient assessments or follow-up actions quickly.

For instance:

• Quickly obtain a patient’s length of stay for review

• Access treatment protocols tied to their current stage of care

• Launch discharge planning more efficiently

So, whether you’re handling an ambulatory patient or managing inpatient stays, having these speed buttons ready can offer a seamless experience.

Bridging Visit Info and LOS

You might be wondering, is there a connection between these two sections? Absolutely! Each plays a respective role but together, they paint a comprehensive picture of a patient's journey from check-in to check-out. When configured properly, speed buttons in both Visit Info and LOS can significantly enhance personnel productivity.

Just picture a clinician seamlessly flowing through all the necessary information without missing a beat. It’s like putting on your favorite playlist and letting the music guide you—it simply makes sense!

Tips on Setting Up Speed Buttons: A Quick Overview

Here’s a little tidbit: you don’t just toss speed buttons around for kicks. Thoughtful setup can make a substantive difference. Here’s how to make the most out of your speed buttons:

• Customize Based on Common Needs: Understand what tasks you frequently perform and adjust the buttons accordingly. The more tailored, the better!

• Train Your Team: A well-trained team can make the most of these features. Organize mini-training sessions for best practices. You could think of it as a quick huddle before the big game.

• Stay Updated: Sometimes, EpicCare rolls out updates. Stay informed about new functionalities that might enhance how you set up your speed buttons to keep everything fresh and efficient.

The Bottom Line: Why It All Matters

So, what's the takeaway here? Investing your time to set up speed buttons effectively in the Visit Info and LOS sections can drastically enhance workflow efficiency, leading to better patient experiences. And let's be honest; in healthcare, anything that allows you to concentrate on patient care instead of navigating a maze of clicks is a win.

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where every second matters, why not equip yourself with the best tools possible? Speed buttons aren't merely a feature—they're a means to elevate patient care. And really, isn't that what we’re all striving for?

So go ahead, get those speed buttons set up, and see how they can transform your day-to-day. After all, the smoother the workflow, the better the care. And that, my friends, is a win-win for everyone involved!