Epic will bring many everyday clinical practices closer to the EHR. For example, scope-based image capture will be simplified with an Epic app called Lumens.
Lumens facilitates procedural documentation with image integration via a third-party solution, Hyland, which provides image capture, storage, viewing, and editing of endoscopy images and videos. While scope-dependent departments like GI have long relied on image capture, Lumens will standardize the process for the gastroenterology and pulmonology specialties at 12 endoscopy sites across UAB Medicine. Here’s why that matters.
Challenges of image capture
Image capture is often a key component of patient care and academic rigor, where scope-based procedures are common, such as GI, surgery, ENT, pulmonary services, and women’s care. Several departments developed their own workarounds to upload images to Cerner, but generally it’s a complicated manual process.
Many UAB Medicine care sites currently have image capture, but only a few have total image integration with the procedure note. Some use workarounds that involve manual practices, such as printing out the images and sending them to Medical Records to be scanned into the patient’s chart.
“Some of the limitations are due to lack of software, limited software configuration, or simply a lack of support,” said Ada Holyfield, Lumens analyst for the Epic transition.
Additionally, for the few sites that currently have video capture, physicians must download each video in its entirety and then edit it on a local PC. This can be cumbersome and time-consuming, and it creates a need for greater storage space. With the Hyland platform, videos can be edited/trimmed prior to downloading.
Benefits of Lumens
Lumens allows image integration with the procedure note. This will end the need for manual workarounds, better meet compliance requirements, engage patients more in their care, promote continuity of care, and enhance education and training.
According to gastroenterologist Ali Ahmed, M.D., images are required for medical compliance and reimbursement, but they’re also helpful for patients. “When you tell someone they have a polyp and need to make some lifestyle changes, the image is tangible and persuasive beyond words,” he said.
Images integrated with the procedure note will be a new feature for the bronchoscopy process. According to Hitesh Batra, M.D., an interventional pulmonologist, “The biggest impact is the ability to visualize prior findings at the time of a subsequent procedure. Also, it will make consults and referrals easier, and it may even preclude the need for a repeat procedure by the consulting physician for better visualization.”
Dr. Ahmed says having video capture for procedures will be especially helpful for education, presentations, and publications. “Everyone learns differently, but visual learning in a field where you’re looking for something makes a lot of sense, and images are an important part of training for complex scenarios,” he said. “It also has allowed our faculty to be part of multiple publications and has led to inclusion in national video libraries.”
Looking ahead
By capturing and organizing visual data directly into the EHR, UAB Medicine is preparing for a future in which imaging tools are part of everyday care. “Providers across our sites will be able to align their workflows now that they share a standardized image-capture ability,” said Grant Snyder, a health care systems analyst working with the Lumens team.
Dr. Ahmed says he’s looking forward to the use of AI and its potential with the Lumens application.
“AI already has the ability to guide image-enhanced, real-time decision-making – helping providers detect abnormalities like polyps more consistently or improving outcomes through predictive image analysis,” Dr. Ahmed said. “With Epic, generative AI can recommend post-procedure diagnoses based upon the physician’s documentation, as well as generating the after-visit summary, making it easier for patients to understand the findings and recommendations.”
Many UAB Medicine team members are working together to help ensure a successful Epic launch. This includes essential unit leadership feedback during weekly workgroup sessions and thorough medical content reviews by physicians and support staff.
Members of our Lumens team already have years of experience performing endoscopies, with technical, software, and clinical support in their current application. So, they are attuned to the needs of our endoscopy areas and committed to successful implementation.
View the latest updates on our Epic Journey.