**Apple’s Influence on Healthcare: A Revolutionary Shift in Patient Care at Emory Healthcare**
Apple’s influence in the business realm has been expanding, with healthcare being a critical area of effect. Emory Healthcare has made a pioneering move by becoming the initial hospital in the United States entirely operated by Apple products. This cutting-edge strategy incorporates Macs, iPads, iPhones, and Apple Watches into the core of patient care, radically altering how healthcare is administered.
### The Function of Epic Systems
Epic Systems has been a foundational element of electronic medical records (EMR) in the U.S., typically functioning within Windows environments. Nevertheless, the launch of Epic as a native macOS application at Emory Healthcare indicates a major transition. Clinicians can now utilize Epic directly on Macs, removing the tedious Citrix environments that were previously necessary for legacy access. This change not only streamlines IT deployment but also improves the experience for healthcare professionals, allowing them to concentrate more on patient care rather than managing complex systems.
Economically, this transition benefits healthcare systems. By utilizing Epic Hyperspace directly on macOS, hospitals can bypass the licensing and server expenses tied to Windows environments. This cost-efficient strategy is especially advantageous for institutions with limited budgets, as it enhances usability while cutting costs.
### Improving Care Delivery with Apple Devices
Emory Healthcare is also capitalizing on the functionalities of the Apple Watch and iPhone to advance care delivery. These devices afford clinicians immediate access to alerts, secure communication, and patient charts, enabling them to remain connected while moving around the hospital. For example, physicians can receive urgent lab results on their Apple Watch, allowing them to respond swiftly and efficiently to patient demands.
The incorporation of Apple devices goes beyond clinicians. Patients gain advantages from iPads utilized for registration and bedside care, permitting them to view care plans, order meals, and communicate with care teams through the Epic MyChart Bedside app. iPads mounted on walls outside patient rooms display vital safety information, optimizing care coordination and enhancing patient safety.
### Consequences for IT Management
The shift to Apple products at Emory Healthcare signifies a vital achievement in healthcare IT. Traditionally dominated by Windows, the complete standardization on Apple products simplifies the management, rollout, and security of devices. This transition not only enriches the user experience but also establishes Apple as a pivotal player in healthcare IT.
Additionally, the time efficiencies for healthcare professionals are considerable. Studies show that combining Apple hardware with Epic and ambient documentation tools can save clinicians an average of two hours each day compared to legacy systems. This productivity allows healthcare workers to allocate more time to patient care, aligning with the fundamental mission of the medical field.
### Conclusion
Emory Healthcare’s dedication to incorporating Apple products into its functions indicates a pivotal moment in healthcare delivery. The introduction of Epic as a native Mac application, in conjunction with the deployment of iPhones and Apple Watches for mobile communication, exemplifies a future where technology enhances patient care. As Apple takes on a more significant role in healthcare IT, the ramifications for patient outcomes and clinician efficiency are substantial. This progression not only highlights Apple’s increasing credibility in the enterprise domain but also emphasizes the potential of technology to fundamentally enhance healthcare delivery.
