In This Week's Issue: 

Trending in IT

For Everyone
Tracking COVID-19 Vaccinations and Proxy Access in MyChart

You can track your COVID-19 vaccines through your HM MyChart account by logging in, hovering over the Health tab and selecting Immunizations from the drop-down menu. Due to a high demand, there is currently a direct link to your vaccination records on your MyChart home page (see below).

You can also view a friend or family member's health record in HM MyChart or give them access to yours, with proxy access. To grant access to your record, click Proxy Invite and log in to your MyChart account. Note: Both parties must have a HM MyChart account for the proxy to work.

To access a minor’s MyChart account, complete a proxy application and mail or fax it to the HM Health Information Management Department (address and fax on the form). Once approved, you’ll receive instructions on accessing the minor’s account.

Security Matters

Microsoft Edge works similarly to Google Chrome and Internet Explorer, but it’s a better tool. Some improvements include:        

• Faster browsing
• Enhanced security and identity protection
• Easier to see your open tabs and organize your web searches

Microsoft Edge will automatically install and appear on your computer. Microsoft Edge will eventually replace Internet Explorer as the default browser, but you’ll still be able to use Chrome and Internet Explorer. Go ahead and try Edge when you see it installed so you can get familiar with it. You can even start saving your favorites.

Here’s a short video showing how to find Edge after it’s installed on your computer.  

Launch Alerts

For DocuSign Users
DocuSign Website Updates
Effective Wednesday, Jan. 13

DocuSign is enhancing its website to make it easier to find what you need.

Key changes: 

• More visible dashboard counters for seeing envelope status.

• Easier to drag and drop files.

• Quick access to favorited templates. 

Here is a tip sheet with additional resources.

For HMB MOBs
IT System Maintenance – Keep Your Devices    Turned On
HMB MOBs: Tuesday, Jan. 12, 5 p.m. to Wednesday, Jan. 13, 4 a.m.

IT system maintenance will take place for HMB MOBs on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 5 p.m. to Wednesday, Jan. 13, 4 a.m. Everyone will lose network connection to all business systems and medical devices for about three minutes during this timeframe, but devices should reconnect automatically. If your devices don’t reconnect, please reboot.

This interruption includes systems and devices like Vocera badges, Zebra smartphones with Rover, pneumatic tubes, air conditioning, MRIs, CTs, laptops, WOWs, desktops, printers and more.

To prepare

• Keep your systems and devices turned on and online.
• Save your work often between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday.

For issues, contact the IT Help Desk.

For HMW/HMCCH Nurses, PCAs, ED Techs, Paramedics and Respiratory Therapists
HMW/HMCCH Specimen Scanning Launching on Tuesday, Jan. 19
Complete Required Training by Friday, Jan. 15

Specimen Scanning launches at HMW/HMCCH on Tuesday, Jan. 19 for nurses, PCAs, ED techs, paramedics and respiratory therapists (except in ORs and Radiology). This tool reduces the risk of specimen labeling errors, improving patient safety.

Required training deadline – Friday, Jan. 15

• Required online training has been assigned to end users (Epic Lab Specimen Collection & Barcode Scanning for Clinical Staff, course #1582031).
• Please complete this LMS training by Friday, Jan. 15.

For questions, contact your unit’s super users or the IT Help Desk. For more information, visit it.houstonmethodist.org/specimenscanning.

Epic Updates

For All Surgeons, Oncologists and Tumor Registrars
V9 Cervix Uteri Staging Form Now Available

The Version 9 Cervix Uteri staging form is now available for documentation, and Epic and will now default to this form, in alignment with American Joint Committee on Cancer guidelines.

Planned Downtimes

Reminders

You can see previous issues of IT Matters and more at it.houstonmethodist.org.

For Everyone
Text to Schedule Your Vaccine

For Anyone Administering COVID-19 Vaccines
Patient Safety Net − New Section for COVID-19 Vaccine Incidents

For Everyone
Patient Meal Ordering Simplified Through MyChart

For Everyone
Use Microsoft Forms to Develop Surveys/Quizzes

For HMSL
New Mapping Software Coming to HM Kiosks

For Inpatient Nursing 
Stroke Flowsheet Summary Report 

For All Wound Care Providers, Nursing and Physical Therapists
New Ordering Process – Heel Offloading Boots

For All Providers
New Timing – Post-Op Phase of Care Orders

For Everyone-Everyone