Trending in IT

For Everyone
New LaborWorkx Login Process
Effective Now

Effective immediately, you must use your HM email address to log in to LaborWorkx, instead of your network username. If you don't have an HM email, use your network ID followed by @houstonmethodist.org (e.g., tmhxxxx@houstonmethodist.org) as your login username. Your password remains the same.

For IT security purposes, avoid saving login credentials to your computer. Single sign-on has also been temporarily disabled for LaborWorxk, so you must re-enter your ID and password each time.

If you have issues logging in, you may need to clear your browsing history. For assistance, follow these instructions.

For questions, contact HR Hub at 832.667.6211 or hrhub@houstonmethodist.org.

Security Matters

For Everyone
Microsoft Warns – You Must Update Your Devices

Hafnium, a group of hackers targeting sensitive and confidential information from organizations across the U.S., has been in the news lately. The group has successfully gained access to emails through a Microsoft system flaw that exposed it to these cyberattacks. According to CNBC, this hack will likely stand out as one of the top cybersecurity events of 2021.

One of the easiest, most important things you can do to keep HM and your personal devices safe is to keep them updated with the latest software version.

Launch Alerts

For HMW/HMCCH Nurses, PCAs, ED Techs, Paramedics and Respiratory Therapists
Specimen Scanning Successfully Launches at HMW/HMCCH

The Specimen Scanning tool that improves patient safety successfully launched at HMW/HMCCH on Tuesday, March 23. About 234 wireless lab label printers were installed for the launch, and over 2,074 specimens were scanned in just the first two days.

"Houston Methodist's goal is to be the world's safest hospital," said Vicki Brownewell, chief nursing officer for HMW/HMCCH. "This initiative, and others like it, are all in pursuit of this. Labeling specimens always has a potential for human error but incorporating this technology reduces the chance that a specimen will be misidentified. Lab, IT and nursing personnel continue working together to roll out this important tool to help keep our patients safe."

Specimen Scanning will continue rolling out systemwide over the next few months, with HMH scheduled for Tuesday, May 4. 

Nurses have voiced positive response to this new tool, including these from the HMW ED.

• "It’s another measure to ensure patient safety,” said Mariana, RN.
• “This is easy," said Catalina Hull, RN. "Strange not having to get a second signature."
• “Feel like it’s safer, but I’m still signing my specimen,” said Whitney, RN.

"Amazing teamwork and perseverance went into making this launch a sounding success," said Ghalib Abbasi, PharmD, director of system pharmacy informatics. "Congratulations to HMW and HMCCH on achieving this important milestone!"

Onsite support continues today until 5 p.m. and tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are part of this launch and need help with Specimen Scanning workflows, click here for more information and easy-to-follow Quick Start Guides, or contact your unit’s super users. 

For All Outpatient Clinicians
New Outpatient Epic Wound Care Module Successfully Launches at HMB, HMH, HMSL, HMW/HMCCH and HMWB Outpatient Clinics

Earlier this week, the new Epic Wound Care module successfully launched at HMB, HMH, HMSL, HMW/HMCCH and HMWB outpatient clinics. The new module enhances current wound LDA documentation, streamlines workflows and provides continuity of care in Epic for our wound care patients. Now, clinicians systemwide can quickly see a patient’s full health care picture — improving treatment and outcomes.

April Sooknanan, system director for wound care services, explains, “Many of our patients have comorbidities that impact wound healing. If we’re only getting part of that information and not seeing the full picture, it’s hard to give the best treatment plan. Now, with Epic wound care, both inpatient and outpatient are equipped to see the full picture and drive better patient outcomes.”

The Epic Wound Care module launched earlier this month for inpatient nurses and therapy staff.

Epic Updates

For Inpatient and ED Nurses
National Institute of Health (NIH) Scale Score – BPA Reminder
Effective Now

A new BPA will now remind you to notify a provider if there is a National Institute of Health (NIH) scale score change greater than two (> 2).

For Providers and Pharmacists
Adult Diabetes Discharge Prescriptions
Effective Tuesday, March 30

To streamline orders of insulin product prescriptions and diabetes supplies, with appropriate patient instructions, a discharge Adult Diabetes Discharge Prescription order set will be available starting Tuesday, March 30. The order set can be viewed in the Discharge Activity.

Review this tip sheet for more information.

For All Providers, Nurses and Pharmacists
Tacrolimus FK506 Level Monitoring BPA
Effective Tuesday, March 30

On Tuesday, March 30, you will see a new BPA recommending FK506 level orders when tacrolimus is ordered, if an FK506 level has not been ordered within the past 72 hours. FK506 levels help properly dose and monitor tacrolimus therapy.

For PAS and Clinical Staff
Post-Discharge Charting Access Changing for Specific Groupers
Effective Saturday, May 1

To help you with the most recent Epic Update changes, 10 additional days were added to finish post-discharge charting. On Saturday, May 1 the time frame reverts to the standard three, four or seven-days. Note: This only applies to individuals in the three, four or seven-day groupers and not to other clinicians and physicians that have already been assigned to a different group. 

• If you need to complete documentation in a chart that is now read-only, make an appointment with your local HIM department to use the open-access computer. For more information view this tip sheet.
• Regardless of the group, medication charting is available 10 days post discharge.
• If you have a workflow that requires a longer duration grouper, submit a Help Desk ticket stating your business need and justification. IT and HIM operations will review and respond accordingly.

Planned Downtimes

Reminders

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

For Everyone
MyMethodist Patient Tablets Get New Language Assistance App

For Everyone
New Password Policy – Minimum of 10 Characters

For Android Owners Enrolled in Intune Company Portal
Update Your Android Devices

For HMTW Nurses
IV Pump Integration Coming to HMTW – June 1
Demos – March 22 - 31

For All Clinical Staff
New MyChart COVID-19 Status

For Anyone Placing Inpatient Orders
Modify and Discontinue Buttons Removed from Treatment Orders

For All Inpatient Nursing, Case Management, Social Workers and Quality
Storyboard: Orange Banner Indicates Emergency Detention Order

For All Infusion Nurses
Changes for Chemo Drugs in MAR

For Everyone-Everyone