Work Flow Analysis

We have begun the design and validation phase of our conversion from our old computer charting system, to EPIC, a more fully integrated and flexible electronic medical record system.

I am on this project as a "smee"--Subject Matter Expert for respiratory care. I have spent the last three days in particular creating work flow diagrams and detailed outlines of the procedures and details of our work and how we would like to document it.

I am a bit surprised that I am enjoying it so much. I'm also surprised that I am enjoying working alone. I think I'm ready for programming.

I suppose, as I complete this implementation phase--a project that should last for about 4 more months, I can learn HTML in my spare time. That way, when I am done, I can market myself as a programmer with clinical, IT, and EMR implementation experience.

My manager has talked of getting it in the budget to have an informaticist specific to the Respiratory Department. I think this is wise, and intend to develop a business case for it.

I also want to develop a paper for "Respiratory Care", putting forth the case for hiring respiratory informaticists.