WKU News

The following members of the WKUHS team attended the Allscripts Client Experience (ACE) 2010 in Las Vegas during the first week of August: Dr Patricia Blewett, Donna Brosche, Mitzi Allen, Keith Lancaster, Kathy Trulock, Sondra Schilke, and Jeff Rose. ACE offers educational sessions presented by industry experts, Allscripts clients, partners and employees, highlighting Allscripts products, features and functionality to optimize utilization and latest updates in healthcare industry trends and an opportunity to network with colleagues.

Allscripts develops many industry leading healthcare software applications, including the electronic health records (EHR) and practice management products used at WKUHS. The central theme of this year's conference was "Go", in keeping with the current US initiative to improve the efficiency and connectivity of the healthcare industry's information systems.

WKUHS staff members enhanced their knowledge of Allscripts applications by selecting from over 100 different courses covering specific software capabilities and business needs. Allscripts also offered "road map" sessions that detailed their plans for enhancing and improving their products in the future. Regional User Groups meetings were also held at ACE. They gave the staff a chance to network with other Allscripts users in our geographical area, discuss similar business needs and exchange tips for using the products.

There was also an exposition where several Allscripts partners demonstrated their peripheral or add-on products that work in conjunction with the Allscripts applications. Allscripts Technical and Support Staffs also had booths where they demonstrated various modules and upgrades for their product. This was a great opportunity to dig deep into current and future functionality.

A favorite of every ACE is the Connection Center where Allscripts support staff and product managers can be scheduled for consulting sessions that address specific client issues. The WKUHS staff made good use of this resource by spending several hours with the Allscripts professionals working through "real life" issues by remotely accessing the actual WKUHS database.

The motivational speaker at this year's ACE was Benjamin Zander. He is a world famous conductor who uses the metaphor of the orchestra and a life-time of experience conducting, coaching and teaching musicians to work his magic to overcome barriers and inspire productivity and leadership. Just as physicians must lead and integrate, musicians must be conducted and work together in perfect rhythm. Through seamless unity and innovative leadership a beautiful symphony is formed - the symphony of success. You can also view a video of Mr Zander here: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html

The ACE attendees have already begun to apply their newly acquired knowledge. In the coming weeks they will also share that knowledge with other WKU HS staff members through peer to peer training and group presentations at staff meetings.