Decision

35,000. Seem like a big number? I guess it depends on the context. Researchers estimate that is how many decisions an average American adult makes each day. Most of these decisions are barely noticeable - from scratching an itch and scooting your chair closer to your desk, to what to eat and where to park your car.

Your ability to decide is the most powerful tool you possess to shape your life and impact your world. Your choices and decisions matter more than where you were born, what you look like or the size of your bank account.

 

When you make a choice, you rely on your intuition and experience to guide you. You examine if you’ve been in a similar situation and you tap into your feelings on the matter.  As a healthcare IT professional, you are constantly making decisions that impact others, as well as yourself. But, how do you choose to spend your time? What factors do you consider when you are deciding what events to attend? With a limited amount of time, you certainly consider these decisions carefully.

Each year, MUSE offers you the opportunity to attend the International Conference where you can gain valuable resources for your professional development, knowledge base, and your hospital.  But, what influences your choice?  You may have to choose between this conference or another one. You might have to consider using your personal vacation time, or maybe footing the travel bill yourself. But perhaps you just have to choose to attend.

So, why should you choose to be a part of the 2016 International MUSE Conference?

Because this is where you:

• Network with other MEDITECH users
• Learn about solutions
• Hear about others' experiences
• Share your experiences
• Gain professional development
• Meet others in your profession
• Earn Continuing Education Credits

There is something for everyone with more than 120 education sessions featuring some of 2016’s hottest topics. Don’t miss out on what could be the most productive and valuable three days of your year. You can see conference details here: http://www.museweb.org/Events/2016-International-MUSE-Conference/Conference-Education

So, let me help you with one of those 35,000 decisions today. This one is simple – register and attend the 2016 International MUSE Conference. Now, you just have 34,999 left today! You’re welcome.  Register now: museweb.org/Events/2016-International-MUSE-Conference/Registration-Information.

See you in Orlando,

Alicia Roberts

The Dog Days of Summer

I feel ya, Frodo!

Are you enjoying your summer? If so, fantastic! Me?  I loathe summer. Partially it’s because I live in the Southeast, where one could equate any parking lot in July to the edges of Mount Doom.

I totally relate to Frodo when he is about to throw the ring into the fire. I feel like that when I go to my mailbox, or really just step out my door.

Summer also has this “in limbo” feeling for children who are out of school. Sure, the first few weeks are great (No homework! Late bedtime! No classroom!) but once the novelty is gone summer becomes so tedious and boring.

But also, the summer allows for reflection and rejuvenation.

Most people take their vacations in the summer and return to work refreshed and more productive.

It’s similar in the “World of MUSE.” While we maintain a full and comprehensive schedule all year (and summer) long, the annual international conference is the main attraction. 

So, when the event is over, June is devoted to the wrapping up of conference-related details. July is typically when we regroup, prepare for the next year, and begin developing plans and strategies for the upcoming international conference, as well as other programs.

For example, the evaluations from the 2015 International MUSE Conference have now been reviewed, analyzed and summarized. This data is an important tool utilized to guide new initiatives, additions and changes to the way the conference and other events are produced. One area that offers useful feedback is the session rating.

Based on reviews from the attendee surveys these are the top sessions from the 2015 International MUSE Conference:

Medication Reconciliation in MEDITECH 6.0 - Melissa Balizan, Parkview Medical Center

The IN's and Out's of Transfer Routine - TJ Temple, Ozarks Medical Center

Top 10 Things You Should Know About 6.X Post Live Edits - Susie Paszkiewicz, Memorial Hospital

6.x Summit

READY or Not Here Comes 6.1 - Marcia Cheadle, Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS)

BMV and the Road to Success - Don Carpenter, St. Claire Regional Medical Center

ICD-10:  How to Update Your MEDITECH System - Marcia Cheadle, Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS)

6.1 Revenue Cycle - Brianna Eisenhaure, MEDITECH

Downtime Preparedness:  Ensuring Patient Care Continues During MEDITECH and/or Network Downtime - Justin Ryans, Laughlin Memorial Hospital

Meaningful Use Stage 3 – How You Can Succeed - Kay Jackson, Iatric Systems

CPOE:  Teaching the Teacher. “IT's” the Right Way! - Catherine McCartney, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

Up with CPOE! Methods to Increase CPOE Utilization Among Providers - Jacquelyn Burrell, Harrison Memorial Hospital

The Joy of Dual Coding – Our Recipe for ICD-10 Preparedness - Kristen Conley, Eastern Connecticut Health Network

6.1 Critical Care:  Managing Your Critical Care Patients Just Got a Whole Lot Easier - Paul King, MEDITECH

EDM Trackers: Make the Tool Work for You - Kim Karn, Memorial Hospital

Discharge Routine Successes and Challenges - Greg Hartman, Avera Health

Leveraging Status Boards and Trackers for Meaningful Use - Mike McNamara, Consultant People

And here are some more highlights from the 2015 International MUSE Conference:

• 2015 International MUSE Conference Recordings (Enter your email address used to register for the conference. Your password is: muse15).

• The Videos from the Opening Session and Sally Hogshead Keynote Presentations: Opening Session and Keynote Videos 

• Hoda Sayed-Friel Keynote Presentation (you must log in with your MEDITECH username and password).

• The 2015 International MUSE Conference Photo Gallery

• The 2015 International MUSE Conference Library of Presentations

While July is typically a month of planning, many programs are in the works for you. Take a look at some of the activities coming your way.

The Joy of Dual Coding – Our Recipe for ICD-10 Preparedness, August 6

State Statistical Reporting from MEDITECH B/AR. August 7

Patient Engagement – The Complexity Behind the Buzzword, August 11

Medication Reconciliation in MEDITECH 6.0, August 12

Leveraging MEDITECH EMR with Secure Clinical Communications, August 25

CPOE: Teaching the Teacher. ‘IT’s’ the Right Way, August 26

Discharge Routine Successes and Challenges, September 21

You can register for any of these webinars here: MUSE Webinars.

Stay for announcements about upcoming Community Peer Group meetings, Online JAM sessions, The Executive Institute, and, of course, the 2016 International MUSE Conference.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer!

- Alicia

MUSE is Me!

Guest Poster:

Amber McGreevy, RN, BSN

Project Manager, Inpatient Applications, Information Services

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

Valencia, California

As I have been trying to come up with just the right words to talk about my experience with MUSE, I continue to feel like I am falling short. But what I do want to say is that, to me, "MUSE" is "Motivating Us to Strive for Excellence" and "Me" is "Meaningful Education.” I have had the honor of attending the last two International MUSE Conferences, both in which, I feel so greatly enriched and inspired after, to continue growing, developing, learning, creating, and innovating. It is not only a place where you have the opportunity to learn, but also to network and meet others. In fact, I have continued to learn from my networking peer contacts, since my very first conference experience.

And, what made the 2014 conference so special - and one that I will never forget is that I was awarded as the International Education Exchange (IEE) grand prize. My presentation on the "The CPOE Journey" was extremely personal to me, and it was such an honor to have the opportunity to share our story overseas. I am so proud of what our team and department accomplished, and the support we received from our entire institution (Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital). I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present in Liverpool, UK, and after that, my husband and I explored Paris and London for the first time. Now, I will say, that Paris has always been on my bucket list (as I admit, I'm a little obsessed with all things Paris!), but I never thought I would get there until I was retired. So, it was a great surprise that Paris was just a hop, skip, and a jump (literally) from Liverpool. And, as I may not be the best traveler, I couldn't sit on a plane for that many hours, without seeing the Eiffel Tower!

Amber in London!

Amber in Paris!

My husband and I had an amazing experience in all three cities, as they are each beautiful, unique, and rich with culture and history. And, I did have to catch my breath from the first moment I saw the Eiffel Tower! All this was made possible because of the opportunity MUSE gave me. I honestly did not anticipate winning, but what I feel like I did, was not just win a presentation. I "won" by getting to know the amazing leadership at MUSE. I had the unique opportunity to get to know them and be inspired from who they are; as why they are so passionate about MUSE. I "won" by experiencing the culture of other countries, and realizing that the struggles of other hospitals are quite similar to ours. It doesn't matter if an entire ocean separates us, as we are all trying to do the right thing by merging healthcare with advanced technology. I "won" through networking and continuing to learn from others. We are all on the same journey, though we may take different paths, but we have similar goals and aspirations. I have been privileged, because of MUSE, to be a part of multiple conference calls, webinars, and MUSE website forums.

So, in conclusion, MUSE is "Motivating Us to Strive for Excellence", and Me is "Meaningful Education". By attending a MUSE Conference, you not only have the honor to meet others, but you have the opportunity to learn, to present, to gather information, and to inspire others as you are inspired!

Amber and her co-workers at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital receiving the 2014 IEE Award.

And, I hope that I have inspired you to be confident about sharing your own journeys, especially the ones that are close to your heart. I know in the field of work we are in, some days can be tough, especially as technology advances and the world of healthcare informatics continues to grow. More and more responsibilities and requirements are asked of us, and sometimes, that can wear us down.

However, if you have the opportunity to be involved with MUSE, whether in the states, Canada or "across the pond", you realize that you are not alone. We really are all in this together, and we really do have journeys that can inspire others. And remember, no matter where each of you may be in your own professional growth and development, MUSE, if you allow it, will continue to "Motivate Us to Strive for Excellence". And, aside from your home family, your church family and/or your work family, you will also become a member of the MUSE family … why? Because, “MUSE is ME!”

Are you registered for the upcoming 2015 International MUSE Conference? Details are here: 2015 International MUSE Conference

MUSE is like Minecraft

Do the children (or adults) in your life play Minecraft? My boys (7 and 9) are obsessed with this game. If you are familiar with it you know that the game has very crude graphics that look like something from the 1980’s. There is not a clear goal, you don’t really earn points or defeat the dragons. If you aren't familiar with it, come out from under your rock! Microsoft just announced plans to buy it for $2.5 billion. Yes, Billion. With a ‘B.’

Anyway, I have never grasped the appeal of Minecraft through watching my kids play it, but when I heard about the Microsoft deal I became even more intrigued about its popularity. I asked my kids what it is about this game that made them so interested. Both of them responded with the same theme – ownership. Although they actually said lots of other things, “I like that my world can be however I want it; I like to know that I made it myself; I like no rules in building; I like the flexibility and choosing how I play.” What they are really saying is they have ownership in the game. And that is what drives them there.

You are mine and I love you!

Mine!

Ownership is the ultimate motivator for someone to care. Do you take more care of a rental car or your own? When you have ownership in something, whether it’s an idea, a program, or a physical object, you think of it differently and value it more than if it’s not yours.

Ownership elicits feelings of pride, happiness, comfort and security.

So, in a few ways, MUSE is like Minecraft.  You think that’s a stretch? It’s not really, though. Listen friends, MUSE is yours. You have the freedom to shape it, to grow it, to develop it. You can log in and “build your world,” as Minecrafters would say.  Logging in to MUSE can mean attending a webinar, presenting a webinar, hosting a Community Peer Group, participating in a JAM session, going to the International Conference, or even just following the forum discussions.

With the newly launched website, you have more freedom than ever to customize your profile and utilize all the interesting tools. I will highlight one of those tools here because I continue to get questions about it. The forums, or discussion groups, from the old site are now called the MUSE Bridge. You can find the Bridge discussions by clicking on “Bridge Community Discussion Groups” under the Community tab. Like this:

Once you’re on the Bridge page you can view all the topics.

If you decide to post to a thread, you have so many features to help personalize your experience. You can view the posts if you are not logged into the website, but in order to post you need to be logged into the website. This security feature keeps folks civil and helps us to maintain a valuable and active community.

In the example below I am posting in the Patient Portal folder. As you can see, the forum allows me to upload a document, photo, spreadsheet, anything really that I want to include here. I can also include emoticons, if I were so inclined (which I’m not). You can also create polls if you have a situation where that would be useful.

So log in to the website and take a stroll through the cool functionality. Make this yours!

And, as always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments or ideas.

Take care MUSE friends,

Alicia

Why Not You?

Another International MUSE Conference is in the history books. All the planning and work during the last year came to fruition and the conference ended as a success.

I don’t usually get to attend the Opening Session, but the stars aligned this year and I was able to be in the audience. The lovely and eloquent Jean Olsen, MUSE Board Chair, spoke about achieving goals and asked, “Why not you?”

During her talk and throughout the conference I saw tweets and posts about this topic. “Why not you?” unofficially developed into the conference theme.

As I continued through the week I heard about many retirements and job changes. It seems to be a time of transition for MUSE, a season to bring in new blood, an opportunity to refresh and reenergize the organization.

I think every unit, be it families, companies, churches, any group - at one time or another experiences a shift. The shift is inevitable because that’s life. But what we can control is how we respond.

MUSE is different from so many other organizations. Though it sounds cliché, MUSE really is truly about its members. We have a vey small staff to run the operations, and everything else is dependent upon the involvement of the membership.

All the education, all the networking, all the programs - they happen because of you, the MUSE members. 

Take a look at the conference photos (and tag yourself!): 2014 International MUSE Conference Photos.

You will see all kinds of people with all kinds of backgrounds. Everyone here probably had a reason to not attend, or present, or sponsor. But they did, and the conference was successful because of them.

The future of MUSE depends on the next wave of volunteers and presenters, hosts and sponsors, exhibitors and speakers. Do you want to shape the future of MUSE? Do you want to guide this 31-year-old into its next stage? Why not run during the next Board election? Why not launch or lead your own Community Peer Group? Why not present that webinar?

Why not you?

The next post will feature the top-rated presentations – stay tuned.

Take care friends,

Alicia

The Common Denominator

My favorite genre of literature is the biography. Thrilling, I know. I am currently reading a biography about Nikola Tesla, but in addition to Tesla’s life, the author of this book explores one common denominator of great people throughout history. Those great people include inventors, musicians, scientists, writers, and artists – those who made history and a lasting impact by creating or discovering. What is that something that all creators and pioneers possess that makes them able to excel?

Is it IQ? Nope, not exclusively.  Upbringing? Certainly not. Finances? Not at all. Personality? Not really.

Give up? Research and studies show that a clear common denominator is imagination!

 

Most of the things that are a part of your life were once a part of someone else’s imagination. Your iPhone, your favorite song, your car, even Pizza Hut - they only exist because someone imagined them, and then drove that dream into realty.

Yet imagination is more commonly associated with childhood rather than a grown-up tool. If I had a nickel for every time I heard, “Use your imagination” as a child … I would have about $11.65, but you get my point. As adults, I think we look at the imagination as a fanciful, Disney-ish concept, not really a useful entity in day-to-day living.

MUSE friends, you are certainly developing “life’s coming attractions.” You are creating, developing and imagining your way to better healthcare. Reflect about what most of you are doing each day in healthcare IT. Do you ever try to find a better way to do something? Do you work to create a more effective process? Do you think about how something could be possible that is not yet? Maybe not individually (or maybe!) you are all impacting healthcare and stamping your creations in history.

Back to the book I am reading - most of these historical figures also surrounded themselves with others who were working toward the same or similar goals.  Yes, they attended conferences and regularly met with peers. They pooled their imaginations for even better outcomes.

“Creativity is just connecting things.” - Steve Jobs. There is no better catalyst for creating and discovering solutions than to collaborate with others who are on the same path. Connecting with people who encounter similar problems and challenges opens new avenues. As a MUSE member, the International Conference is the premier event for you to connect, create, discover and imagine with your peers.

The 2014 conference includes sessions on just about every topic that a healthcare IT professional in a MEDITECH world could imagine! I challenge you to explore the agenda and not find at least several sessions or topics that directly apply to you. Take a look: 2014 Educational Sessions. Of course, the majority of the value of the conference probably would come from your informal conversation in the hallway with that person who just happens to be doing exactly what you’re doing.

And there is also one major surprise in store for you this year. It’s something that has taken a little bit of imagination to develop – but I hope you will all be thrilled with this new addition. Are you curious? Well, stay tuned!

Coming Soon!

See you in Dallas; come ready to use your imagination!

- Alicia

 

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Guest Poster, Sherry Montileone, Network and Support Manager, Citizens Memorial Hospital



 

My name is Sherry Montileone and I won the 2013 MUSE IEE competition.   I’m writing this article to tell you about the experience and, hopefully, get you interested in doing something “uncomfortable.” I hope you make 2014 the year to step outside your MUSE comfort zone and present, compete, serve on the board, become a peer leader, or maybe just attend the conference for the first time.

Q.  How do I participate in the IEE competition? 

A.   Detailed instructions are on the MUSE website, www.museweb.org.   It is as simple as submitting a presentation with broad appeal and being selected as an IEE finalist. When you submit your abstract, just select the option to compete in the IEE contest. You will attend the International MUSE Conference like any other attendee with the exception that your audience will contain judges (sounds scary – but you won’t know who they are).   The competition winner is announced at the closing ceremony.   If you win, you get an all expenses paid trip to present at the MUSE EU conference.    

Q.   Had you ever presented at MUSE before?  

A.   Yes, a couple of times.   I actually entered the IEE competition in 2012 and withdrew (i.e. chickened out) before the presentation deadline.   I presented that year, but not as an IEE participant. 

Q.  Did you have professional help with your presentation?

A.  No.  I had grand plans about doing so (animation, audience participation tool, etc.) – but I ran out of time and just gave a plain old PowerPoint.     The basis of my presentation was how we use technology to achieve the goals of our healthcare system’s strategic plan.   I think that resonated with people.

Q.  Did you practice your presentation and were you scared when you gave it?

A.  Yes and Yes!   I worked on and tweaked my presentation until I was almost sick.  The more I looked at it, the less I knew.  Giving a presentation is uncomfortable – but it makes you think and research and practice and learn.  

Q.  What was the MUSE EU conference like?  

A.  I loved it.  The EU conference is smaller and more personal.  It lasts two days and has fewer presentations (~ 4 / day). 

Q.  Did you learn anything at the EU conference?

A.   Yes!    And, a highlight was spending the afternoon at Alder Hey Hospital with their FABULOUS staff learning how they use MEDITECH and PACS in the National Health System.  

Q.  Were you uncomfortable traveling abroad / attending alone?  

A.  A little – but that’s part of the fun.    MUSE offered to take care of my travel arrangements – but I made them myself since I was extending my trip.    I flew into Manchester, took the train to Liverpool and attended the conference.   When the conference was over, I took the train to London, picked up my two adult daughters at Heathrow and we spent 3 days in London, Eurostar’d to France and spent 3 days in Paris.   There were plenty of times I was a little uncomfortable navigating the trains, different language, currency, etc. – but, hey, I’m getting comfortable being uncomfortable…