Soft Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are we replacing the laboratory system?
A: The current Laboratory Information System (LIS), Cerner Classic, is 20 years old and is approaching end-of-life support in 2010. We are looking for a system with improved efficiencies utilizing the latest technology and with the ability to integrate with other LG systems.
Q: Why Soft?
A: Flexibility, cost, and support availability, integrated specimen tracking, micro discrete results, and positive patient ID. Soft is a “lab only” company specializing in software that improves efficiency and patient safety while supporting industry leading technology. Just a few of the anticipated process improvements are bar coded specimen tracking, hand held devices for phlebotomists, discrete microbiology results, digital pathology images and discrete blood gas results.
Q: Who was involved in the system design and implementation?
A: Multiple focus groups of nurses, physicians, practice managers, Information Technology and Laboratory staff have been involved in discussions about the application of the new system and opportunities for improvement. A steering committee comprised of project leaders, administrative and medical directors, and executive leadership have provided guidance and escalation for the project from the beginning. The vendor has also played an instrumental role in assisting and advising the database building team.
Q: Is this part of Epic?
A: Soft is independent of Epic. It is connected by interface for orders and results to the outpatient Epic product. The inpatient Epic product will be integrated with Soft in the future.
Q: Will I need training on the new system?
A: No. Awareness of the change is all that is needed for users outside the laboratory. Those who use SMS (Siemens) to place orders will see two new fields for Microbiology culture site and source. NetAccess views will change somewhat with more enhanced information and increased readability. Patient reports will contain the same information but the format will be slightly different. The actual Soft system will only be used directly by Lab employees.
Samples of patient reports and screen prints for SMS and Net Access will be posted to the intranet in the coming weeks.
Q: Who will need training on placing orders?
A: Anyone who currently places orders in SMS (Siemens) will note new fields for Microbiology culture site and sources. The basics remain the same and an on-line PowerPoint presentation will provide most of the information needed to help you learn how to use the new fields. There are no mandatory hands-on training sessions for those outside the Lab.
Q: Who needs training on the new results screens?
A: Those using Net Access or Epic will find improved resulting reports on-line. Again, an on-line PowerPoint presentation will provide most of the information needed to assist in the navigation of the new screens. Again, no mandatory hands-on training is required.
Q: What if I work in an ambulatory site?
A: There will be training provided for those people currently using the Cerner system, as needed, for each site and location.
Q: Who do I call for information or is there a place to send my questions?
A: Please feel free to reach out to Tracee Olver, Project Leader, 717-544-4959. Tracee’s email address is: taolver@lancastergeneral.org
Q: WHEN is the Laboratory going to be “Live”?
A: The Soft project will “go live” on Feb. 7, 2009. There will be downtime for the SMS (Siemens) Lab orders from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 7. The rest of the SMS (Siemens) system will be functional during this time, the downtime is for LAB ORDERS only.
Cardiology, Radiology, EEG etc can continue to be entered during this lab downtime. Lab orders should be sent to the lab using the downtime forms.
During this time, the lab department will be bringing the Soft system live. There will be email and other announcements to keep all users informed.
Q: Where will I call with questions or problems when the system goes “Live?”
A: There will be a Command Center located in the old pharmacy on 3rd floor near the laboratory department. This area will be staffed with 24x7 support starting Feb. 7.
On the day of go-live (Feb. 7, 6 p.m.) the telephone hotline (x48118) will be activated. This extension is reserved for computer issues of an urgent nature as related to the Soft system. For routine operational problems such contacting a phlebotomists or for results, use the regular extensions for the individual lab areas. Additional information regarding the system Go-Live will be available at x45001.