Helping a Self-Developed EMR Evolve

However, even with the addition of a vendor product, the use of the simulation tool will carry on at MD Anderson, according to Preston. For one, Preston doubts the vendor product will have the in-depth oncology requirements that the center needs. The simulation will be able to assist, and used with the vendor interface, in that regard.

In addition, there will still be components of ClinicStation, such as its highly important research feature, that will stay in place. There will also be further in-house creations at MD Anderson, since various components are not available through vendor products. “We’ll still be doing development, depending on what they don’t have,” Preston says. “It will go on.”

Preston is excited about what the new vendor product will offer in terms of pharmacy and scheduling, and how it will allow for the revolving-door cancer patients at MD Anderson to be better treated. Overall, she’s excited about the possible evolution of the EMR.

“I’m hoping the EMR products have evolved since we last tried to do work with a vendor app. Hopefully, we can pick up on some of their pains and aches that they did building and advancing this technology,” Preston says.