2024-06-27

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 8 Now Available

Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts", summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Dragon Medical One training sessions
  • Optimization Training classes in July
  • Results release changes in patient portal
  • Diagnostic imaging appointment provider notification change
  • New Meaningful Use Norms metrics
  • Upcoming removal of provider department login restriction
  • Reordering parenteral nutrition
  • Consult Order Optimization Project rollout
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.

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2024-06-21

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels are listed below. Reminder that a camera icon in a blog post on any of our channels indicates that there is an accompanying screenshot - just click the icon to view. 

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2024-06-19

CMIO Optimization Support for Connect Care Users

With 11,275 professionals having completed Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) training for Connect Care, the CMIO has developed a four-fold optimization training strategy to foster continuous learning for those in previous launches (Waves/Launches 1-8). 

All Connect Care users who fall under the scope of CMIO Training can access a variety of optimization support. The CMIO offers classes on a variety of topics that can be booked here. 

In Self-Directed learning and SmartUser training, users can drive their own learning through the available resources and modules, while in Reinforcement (personalization) and Direct Support, MILs and Medical Leaders help champion this learning for their users.

For more information, see the Optimization Training page in the Connect Care Manual.

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2024-06-18

Update on Results Release in Patient Portal

Starting June 18, 2024, five additional test results and their results-related documents will become immediately available to patients in MyChart, the online patient tool for Connect Care, without a 5-day hold. 

  • The five test results that will be available without a 5-day hold are:
    • Stress Test
    • Holter Monitor
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
    • Electroencephalogram (EEG)
    • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Making these results available in MyChart aligns with the release of these same results through MyHealth Alberta in My Personal Records, the provincial personal health record tool.
  • Currently, patients who have access to MyChart can see these test results 5 days after their ordering provider receives them. After June 18, the results and related documents will be available to patients at the same time as the ordering provider, as with other results in MAC.

In addition to the immediate release of the five tests and their related documents, historical results-related documents for tests that were already viewable in MyChart will also be added on June 18. This includes results-related documents for lab, diagnostic imaging and cardiology tests that date back to the start of Connect Care.

  • The historical results-related documents will not appear in the patient's test results, but will be visible in the "Document Center" of MyChart. Patients will not receive an alert that these historical results-related documents are available; the documents will simply appear in the tool to view at their convenience.

As with previous results releases, providers may consider giving patients more information about the implications of different results at the time of ordering a test.

Physicians and other providers will continue to have access to results through their usual delivery channels, as well as through Alberta Netcare.

More information on the release of results is available via a 1-pager.

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2024-06-07

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels are listed below. Reminder that a camera icon in a blog post on any of our channels indicates that there is an accompanying screenshot - just click the icon to view. 

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2024-06-05

Connect Quality – Tools to Help Physicians Meet CPSA Requirements

As announced in our most recent Between the Charts newsletter, our Connect Quality initiative is officially launched! 

Connect Quality organizes resources, training, reporting tools, and the documentation required to meet College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Physician Practice Improvement Program (PPIP) requirements, in one spot. When you work through a Connect Quality project, you will improve the quality of care for your patients, improve your own proficiency in using Connect Care, and meet your CPSA requirements, all at once! 

  • The first project that is available focuses on improving In Basket turnaround time, and uses Signal for data requirements.
    • If you have previously taken an In Basket CMIO Optimization class, you can use this to meet your CPSA requirements - just ask us how!
  • Projects on Problem List maintenance and Adverse Reaction maintenance will be added shortly, with other topics added in the future. 

See connectquality.ca for more details, and to sign up! The website can also be found in the Connect Care Manual - in the table of contents under Training >> Connect Quality, or search "Connect Quality". Once you sign up for a project, an information package with all the resources you need will be sent to you, including details on how to use Signal for the project.

If you have any questions on Connect Quality, including help with the sign up process, accessing your Signal data, or applying a previously completed CMIO Optimization class to meet your CPSA requirements, please contact cmio.optimization@ahs.ca.

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2024-05-29

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 7 Now Available

Our monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts", summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages. The next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Connect Quality initiative (now launched!)
  • Virtual Drop-In for Launch 8 and wildfire response
  • Interim routing solution for mixed-context providers
  • Tap-badge access for consulting prescribers to EDs
  • Inpatient pathology and Continuing Care results routing changes
  • Add-on labs with Transfusion Medicine samples
  • Optimization Training classes in June
  • "My Next Steps" patient resource to help prepare for discharge
  • Workflow updates for all launches
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.

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2024-05-24

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels are listed below. Reminder that a camera icon in a blog post on any of our channels indicates that there is an accompanying screenshot - just click the icon to view. 

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Optimization Training - Classes in May and June

[Note: Future Optimization class schedules will be posted on the Support channel.]

We previously posted that the CMIO Training team is now offering Optimization classes (previously called Thrive classes), where Connect Care prescribers can learn how to take full advantage of the features of the clinical information system, to help maximize their productivity and spend more time with patients. Classes are 60 minutes in length each and focus on completing common workflows more efficiently.

Below are the Optimization classes scheduled for May and June 2024. Edit (May 24): As some sessions have now passed and additional dates have been added, the information below has been updated.

  • In Basket Management
    • New: May 29, at 09:00
    • May 30, at 08:00
    • New: June 4, at 12:30
    • June 6, at 12:30
    • June 7, at 09:00
    • June 12, at 16:00
    • New: June 14, at 08:00
  • Orders Optimization
    • May 28, at 11:00
    • May 31, at 14:00
    • June 3, at 09:00
    • June 6, at 15:00
    • June 11, at 12:30
    • June 12, at 14:00
  • Notes and Documentation SmartTools
    • May 27, at 12:00 
    • June 11, at 12:00
    • June 21, at 12:00
    • June 25, at 12:00
  • Therapy Plans
    • June 11, at 12:30
    • September 17, at 12:00

Prescribers can register for these Optimization classes at the below link. Classes will be added regularly, so please continue to check back. Spots are limited to ensure trainers can address individual questions. Please ensure that you review your confirmation email from "Bookings CMIO Thrive" for the class link, and requirements for the session.

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2024-05-14

Upcoming Webinar: Optimizing Dragon Medical One in Epic Hyperdrive

Are you already a user of Connect Care's in-system dictation solution, Dragon Medical One (DMO), or a Launch 8 prescriber wondering whether DMO could work for you?

A free 45-minute webinar is being hosted by the DMO vendor (Microsoft Nuance) on Tuesday, May 21, 12:00 ET/09:00 PT.

During this webinar, JM Vore, DO, FAAFP, MSHI, Chief Medical Information Officer and Family Physician at Solution Health, and Andrea Janowski, Adoption Specialist at Microsoft Nuance, will cover the following topics:

  • Dragon Medical One no cost resources
  • Increasing accuracy & saving time
  • Adoption, efficiency, and use of commands
  • Demonstration and keyboard shortcuts in Epic Hyperdrive
  • Step by step commands to optimize workflow
  • PowerMic and PowerMic Mobile button configurations

To sign up, click the below link (you must have an Epic UserWeb account to access):

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2024-05-10

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels are listed below. Reminder that a camera icon in a blog post on any of our channels indicates that there is an accompanying screenshot - just click the icon to view. 

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2024-05-09

Just-in-Time Learning!

Our new Connect Care Launch 8 prescribers are on the steeper part of their learning curve. Help is available!

A powerful way to reinforce basic training, while busy with clinical work, is to consider one or two high-impact tips per day. To that end, we regularly post "Tippies" on the Connect Care Tips channel (tips.connect-care.ca), which contain some simple but impactful suggestions as well as some more advanced tips. 

The easiest way to follow these postings is to subscribe to the Tips blog channel. Also consider subscribing to both the FAQ (questions.connect-care.ca) and the Support (support.connect-care.ca) channels. We answer common questions on the former and provide important news about fixes and enhancements on the latter. Launch-specific issues are also flagged during the launch support period on the Support channel in "Hot Topics" posts.

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2024-05-08

Interim Fax Routing - Changing Connect Care Provider Communication Method to Fax

An interim routing solution is now available that may be beneficial for mixed-context providers who have limited, intermittent work in a Connect Care context and do not want all their results and documentation sent to Connect Care In Basket. Mixed-context providers can request their default communication method for results and documentation be changed from Connect Care In Basket to fax, either for all information currently sent to their Connect Care In Basket that can be faxed, or for diagnostic cardiology results only. 

  • This setting change will not reduce duplication of results. By enabling fax redirect, the duplicate Connect Care In Basket result would be sent by fax instead.
  • This setting change is only interim due to system-wide results routing optimizations expected to go into effect in 2024/5.
  • This fax routing solution is not ideal for everyone. It has some downstream impacts such as potential increased workload for administrative staff in community/private clinics. It is recommended that providers consider the information outlined in the comprehensive FAQ prior to requesting the change. 
  • If it turns out that the setting change is not a good fit, providers can request that the change be reversed.

For more details, including how to request this change, see the below resources. The FAQ includes example figures that illustrate how this change might look.

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2024-05-04

Launch 8: We are GO!

As of 05:00 today, Connect Care welcomes 229 sites from across the province into the family; with this launch, most Continuing Care sites and Population and Public Health programs are now on Connect Care, as well as some Carewest and Covenant Health sites! The first few days will be intense, but with lots of help at hand we are confident that progress will be fast. 

Prescribers, please make use of the Virtual Drop-in Centre and other launch supports (launchhelp.connect-care.ca). Watch this channel for any updates, as well as the Support channel for information on "hot topic" common issues that have been flagged for Launch 8 prescribers. A Launch 8 Updates section in the Connect Care Manual also flags the largest system updates and workflow changes to be aware of (for prescribers in all launches).

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2024-05-03

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels are listed below. Reminder that a camera icon in a blog post on any of our channels indicates that there is an accompanying screenshot - just click the icon to view. 

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2024-04-26

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 6 Now Available

We previously posted about our new monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts". This newsletter summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages.

Our next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Interfacility Transfer (IFT) workflow changes
  • Dangers of copy-paste
  • Suppressing/filtering medication warnings
  • Home Care referrals
  • Embedding/linking to images in documentation
  • An upcoming project on consult order optimization
  • Optimization Training classes in May
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.

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On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels are listed below. Reminder that a camera icon in a blog post on any of our channels indicates that there is an accompanying screenshot - just click the icon to view. 

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2024-04-23

All User Bulletin - Copy-Paste Dangers

All-user-bulletins highlight stumbling blocks that all prescribers need to be aware of when using the Connect Care clinical information system.

Inter-System Copy-Paste Dangers

Copy-paste of clinical content from one health information system (e.g., Netcare) to another (e.g., Connect Care) is not appropriate and should not be done. There are a number of dangers, including:
  • Copy-paste between discrete health information systems is subject to legislated requirements of the Alberta Health Information Act.
  • Copied text may have encoding dependencies that differ between systems, causing pasted material to change appearance in ways that could change its meaning.
  • What can be copied is but part of the source health information data, missing properties essential to confirming the right patient and encounter.
There are alternative workflows that protect against these and other dangers:
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2024-04-19

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels are listed below. Reminder that a camera icon in a blog post on any of our channels indicates that there is an accompanying screenshot - just click the icon to view. 

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2024-04-08

Optimization Training - Classes for Anesthesia Prescribers Now Available

We previously posted that the CMIO Training team is now offering Optimization classes (previously called Thrive classes), where Connect Care prescribers can learn how to take full advantage of the features of the clinical information system, to help maximize their productivity and spend more time with patients. As of April 15, 2024, we are launching a series of classes for Anesthesia prescribers.

The Anesthesia Optimization classes are 60 minutes in length each and will focus on completing common workflows more efficiently. There are two classes; note that the order of completion does not matter.

  • Anesthesia Optimization 1 covers:
    • Managing active orders, fluid balances, and correcting medication orders.
    • Documenting delays or postponement of cases.
    • Use of intraprocedure tools to sign a record without completing hard stop requirements.
  • Anesthesia Optimization 2 covers:
    • Deleting records created in error.
    • Correcting incorrect device data on the wrong patient.
    • Using chart correction tools that have replaced the anesthesia record wizard.
The current dates available for Anesthesia Optimization classes are: April 15, April 29, April 30, May 14, and May 23.

Prescribers can register for these Anesthesia Optimization classes at the below link. Classes will be added regularly, so please continue to check back. Spots are limited to ensure trainers can address individual questions. Please ensure that you review your confirmation email from "Bookings CMIO Thrive" for the class link, and requirements for the session.

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2024-04-03

Upcoming Webinars - Prescriber Billing in Connect Care

The AHS Professional Billing team will be holding webinars in April for all Connect Care prescribers (including Launch 8). These 1-hour Zoom sessions will review how a prescriber can enter billing into Connect Care and access billing in reports. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about prescriber billing in Connect Care. 

If you have any questions about these sessions, please contact the Professional Billing team.
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2024-03-29

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

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2024-03-28

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 5 Now Available

We previously posted about our new monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts". This newsletter summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages.

Our next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Optimization Training classes in April
  • Webinars on billing in Connect Care (April 10, 16, 23)
  • Administration revisions and chart completion
  • An upcoming initiative that can help meet your CPSA requirements
  • How to schedule an immediate first dose when ordering a new medication
  • Interval H&P notes
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.

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2024-03-26

Chart Correction - Completion of Administrative Revisions on Behalf of Healthcare Providers

As of April 1, 2024, the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Health Information Management (HIM) Chart Correction team will be able to revise some Connect Care clinical documentation errors on behalf of healthcare providers. Previously, providers were prompted via In Basket messages to do this work. The new initiative (see AHS Clinical Documentation Policy and Procedure 1173-01; Section 7.2a) will decrease In Basket and administrative burdens for healthcare providers for 10 categories of revisions:

  • Revise spelling of patient name (e.g., "Shawn" vs. "Shaun" or "Sean")
  • Revise incorrect patient name (e.g., report states "Ralph" but patient’s name is "Zach")
  • Revise left vs. right, and vice versa
  • Revise incorrect ULI 
  • Revise incorrect Out of Province Health Care Number
  • Revise patient age
  • Revise date of:
    • Admission
    • Discharge
    • Deceased
    • Birth

The Chart Correction team will continue to notify the authoring provider, as needed, for other types of errors (e.g., selections within SmartLists).

For more information:

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2024-03-19

Optimization Training - March/April Sessions Available

We previously posted that the CMIO Training team is now offering Optimization classes (previously called Thrive classes), where Connect Care prescribers can learn how to take full advantage of the features of the clinical information system, to help maximize their productivity and spend more time with patients. The Optimization classes are 30 to 60 minutes in length each, and focus on completing common workflows more efficiently. 

We have added a few additional sessions on In Basket management, and have expanded our selection of classes. Edit (Mar 19): As some sessions have already filled up and additional dates have been added, the information below has been updated.

  • Orders
    • April 10, 2024, 09:00–10:00
    • April 11, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • New: April 15, 2024, 12:30–13:30
    • New: April 17, 2024, 11:00–12:00
    • New: April 25, 2024, 09:00–10:00
  • Notes
    • March 27, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • April 2, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • April 10, 2024, 12:00–13:00
    • New: April 16, 2024, 10:00–11:00
    • New: April 24, 2024, 12:00–13:00
  • In Basket Management
    • New: April 8, 2024, 09:00–10:00
    • New: April 15, 2024, 11:00–12:00
  • Therapy Plans
    • April 29, 2024, 12:00–13:00
  • New: Letters to Netcare
    • April 8, 2024, 10:30–11:00

Prescribers can register for these Optimization classes at the below link. Spots are limited in order to ensure trainers can address individual questions. Please ensure that you review your confirmation email from "Bookings CMIO Thrive" for the class link, and requirements for the session.

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2024-03-15

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

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2024-03-01

On Other Channels...

Thank you for continuing to check the Connect Care update blog for prescribers (ideally, subscribe to multiple channels; see instructions). Recent additions to this blog and its various channels:

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2024-02-26

Between the Charts: CMIO Newsletter for Prescribers - Issue 4 Now Available

We previously posted about our new monthly newsletter for prescribers, called "Between the Charts". This newsletter summarizes key news items, Epic system updates, efficiency tips and extras that will help prescribers optimize their Connect Care user experience, all in two pages.

Our next issue is now out, available at the below link! This issue includes information on:

  • Hyperdrive rollout (February 28)
  • Daylight Savings Time (March 10)
  • Ordering non-standard medications
  • Data quality
  • Updating inpatient provider care team and service
  • Blog screenshots
  • And more!

The previous issues can still be accessed, via the archive in the Connect Care Manual. 

If you have any feedback on this issue or have a suggestion for content you'd like included in a future issue, please send us an email.

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Connect Care Hyperdrive Upgrade - Phase 3, Wednesday February 28, 2024

We previously posted about the upcoming move from our existing “Hyperspace” version of Epic to a newer version called “Hyperdrive”. The move to Hyperdrive is happening in three phases between February 13 and 28, with phases 1 and 2 including small groups of AHS acute care sites/programs, and everyone else being included in phase 3. 

Phase 3 will switch to Hyperdrive as of Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 07:00. Phase 3 includes all Connect Care users who were not part of phases 1 and 2. All prescribers from these sites will have received an email indicating that they are part of phase 3. 

ALL PHASES - USE ORIGINAL CONNECT CARE ICON

Starting February 28 at 07:00, the original red "CC" icon used in the past to log in to Connect Care will launch Hyperdrive, for all users (phases 1 to 3). 
  • Phase 3: To ensure the red CC icon opens the new Hyperdrive environment, if in a Hyperspace session at 07:00, phase 3 users should end their Hyperspace session ("x" out and close the login window), wait 30 seconds, then reopen their session by clicking on the same red icon. 
    • Note: Phase 3 users may have noticed another (orange) icon on their screen previous to February 28, which phases 1 and 2 used temporarily. Phase 3 users will not be using this icon to log in to Connect Care. 
  • Phases 1 and 2: As of February 28, the temporary orange "CC HD" icon used to launch Hyperdrive will be disabled, and phases 1 and 2 users will switch back to the original red CC icon. 
    • Note: The temporary orange icon may still be visible after 07:00 on February 28; however, if clicked on, an error message will appear.

Virtual Drop-In Centre

The CMIO will be providing virtual drop-in support for prescribers on weekdays throughout the Hyperdrive rollout period, at the below times: 

  • February 26–March 1, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00
  • March 4–8, 2024, daily support 08:00–16:00

After-hours/weekend support will also be available through the Helpdesk. For more information, see the Hyperdrive Upgrade section of the Manual.

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Coming Soon – “Signal” Button

Select Connect Care prescribers will soon have access to Signal, an Epic-hosted web application that allows ambulatory and inpatient users to measure and improve their efficiency in using Epic. Epic uses inclusion criteria to automatically select which users can benefit from this function. Connect Care prescribers will know if they have access if they can see their data after clicking the “Signal” button at the top of their screen (click the icon below to see a screenshot). 

More information on Signal will be posted soon to the Connect Care Manual and the Connect Care blog channels.

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