Author: Chris DeFrancesco

Smartphone Apps Interoperable With HealthONE

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(Getty Images)

Did you know, some of the features of HealthONE will be accessible via smartphone? Two we’d like to mention here are Haiku and Imprivata ID.

Haiku is available to iPhone users who might like to take advantage of Patient Management, InBasket, Review and Ordering and ePrescribing functions on the go.

This is an optional package available to you should you find it helpful.

When you attend your provider training session, your will see a poster inviting you to send a registration/communication to HealthONEMobileApps@uchc.edu with your department and cell phone number if you have interest in accessing Haiku. This will go to the HealthONE team to initiate your access.

After that we will push the mobile app via MobileIron to your phone and, voila, with a few keystrokes you will be ready to go.

The push thru MobileIron makes it simple for us to ensure your configuration to our production server is accurate. Along with this push, you will receive a packet of information via email that will include some tip sheets to help you get jump-started. Once you have your Epic training, you will find it quite intuitive to use the app. No training classes will be needed!

Imprivata ID is a phone app that will enable you to receive a dual authentication factor code text message, required by state law beginning this year to support ePrescribing of controlled substances. The application will allow you to receive a text message and automatically with a single keystroke send that code into HealthONE, satisfying the elements needed to prescribe controlled substances.

You will be registered for this during your training class; however, the registration process could be shortened if you take a moment to download the iOS or Android application referred to as “Imprivata ID” prior to attending class. Please be sure to bring your phone with you to training.

Imprivata ID will work on iPhone or on Android and requires no MobileIron and no data fees. Easy peasy and convenient!

–Kathy Noel, Director, Ambulatory Applications, UConn HealthONE

Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.

UConn Health April 2018 Programs, Events

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Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for April and early May 2018. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 3/16)

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, April 7, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, April 7, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, April 9, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).

New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, April 10, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east, patient lobby
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, May 15, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, April 11, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, April 19, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, April 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, April 19, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of every other month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, April 21, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, April 25, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Wednesday, April 25, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor large conference room S3301
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

(Added 3/16)
UConn Health Auxiliary’s Spring Market
Friday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., UConn Health, Main Building
The UConn Health Auxiliary’s annual spring shopping event features vendors in the main and Keller lobbies. Money raised goes toward the Auxiliary’s free mammogram programs, its patient assistance program, and its patient education program in the Outpatient Pavilion. For more information please call 860-679-2963.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, April 30, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, May 5, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, May 5, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, May 9, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at health.uconn.edu/locations.

Keeping Things Running During Winter Weather

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Even when UConn Health has an emergency closing, it’s not really closed.

Inpatient care must go on, as do some laboratory experiments, and other 24/7 operations such as public safety, housekeeping, dietary, information technology, the telephone operators, and the Connecticut Poison Control Center.

Making that possible is the work of Facilities Management and Operations, whose staff ensures those who do need to come to work (or to the hospital) can do so safely.

“They tackle their job with a real positive attitude, and they’re definitely engaged in the work that they do,” says Cliff Ashton, associate vice president of Facilities Management and Operations. “They work around the clock. They do take breaks for safety purposes, but it’s not an easy job.”

For this week’s nor’easter, that included six groundsmen operating four plow trucks and two skid steer machines, plus contractor support including six plow trucks and drivers, a bucket loader and operator, and 15 laborers shoveling around the entrances and fire exits.

“There’s a certain order of priority,” Ashton says. “When it’s snowing real hard, the focus is on keeping the roads open. We obviously want to keep access to the ambulance bays clear.”

Part of what makes the storm response effective is the preparation work that takes place in between storms.

“We check all the equipment, make repairs when needed, and we flush all the equipment after a storm because of all the salt,” Ashton says. “There’s always freezing and thawing, and our guys are out there first thing in the morning, going around all the sidewalks to put the ice melt material down.”

What can the rest of us do to help with the snow removal effort? Observe parking bans, for starters.

“When we have a parking ban, there’s not supposed to be anyone parking roadside or in uncovered areas, and that does get to be a problem,” Ashton says. “The other important thing is being attentive to their own personal safety. People should wear the right footwear to get from their car to the building to reduce the risk of falls.”

Logistics Management also has storm-preparation protocol, which includes fully stocking all hospital departments, shifting schedules to minimize staff traveling in dangerous conditions, and coordinating with different areas to determine their needs.

"We'll provide cots to the operators, the help desk, and Correctional Managed Health Care pharmacy, and reach out to the nursing supervisor to make sure we have enough cots for hospital staff," says Logistics Management Director Jeff Boyko. "For the hospital, we're always servicing every facet. The outpatient clinical areas are often closed, but the urgent care offices may stay open, and we also make sure lab medicine and the pharmacy can continue to serve all the correctional facilities."


Three skid steer machines (left) and three plow trucks are among the equipment Facilities Management and Operations crews use for snow removal. (Photo by Joe Caron)

Heroism and Good Fortune

A member of the UConn Health grounds crew is being called a hero after a close call following the March 7 nor’easter. Mark Koziol and fellow groundsman William “Toby” Berry were in a grounds truck on lower campus when they stopped to pick up a sign. With Berry still in the driver’s seat, a tree fell on the truck. Koziol, who hadn’t returned to the truck yet, realized the danger and, risking his own safety, pulled his coworker out of the truck. Thankfully, both escaped serious injury. (Photo by Joe Caron)

HealthONE Training Required for Access

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UConn Health One badgeHealthONE training is roaring and we appreciate the flexibility and patience of everyone involved. It is a lot of people doing a lot of training in a very tight window. And of course the weather hasn’t helped. So why the rush, why must this be done? There are a lot of reasons: patient safety, familiarity with new processes, we could have a long list. But at the top of  this list is the simple fact: no training, no access.

When we go live April 28, all those not listed as trained—including not passing the end user proficiency assessment—will not be able to access the system to do their job.

Single sign-on doesn’t happen until the training is done so we create a safe, well-trained team to care for our patients. So, in the coming weeks when you have to cover for a co-worker, train off shift or just wonder why, keep in mind every good thing the system will do starts with your ability on April 28 to log in to HealthONE.

See your leader or a training coordinator for questions, enrollment problems, and to make sure on the 28th you are not someone asking ‘why won’t this system let me in?’

—HealthONE leadership

Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/HealthONE, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.

Progressive Approach to Campus Safety

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UConn Police Chief Hans Rhynhart is the director of the UConn Division of Public Safety. (Photo provided by Hans Rhynhart)

It’s natural that campus safety, while always a priority, would be even more top of mind following a mass shooting like what took place in Parkland, Florida, last month.

Within the last two years, UConn has shifted to a progressive model, folding police, fire, emergency management, communications centers, and the fire marshal’s office into a single Division of Public Safety. The resources span all campuses, including UConn Health.

Division Director Hans Rhynhart, who is also chief of the UConn Police Department, says the key to readiness for an active threat situation on any campus is preparation and prevention.

“We’ve accomplished and standardized combined training with all division personnel, with police, fire, communications and emergency management, to understand roles and responsibilities to enhance our unified response,” Rhynhart says. “We have threat assessment teams in place which are on the leading edge of trying to prevent a tragedy from happening.”

Part of that prevention component is intelligence gathering. UConn Police have a detective assigned to an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, which provides direct access to real-time information on a threat or activity of interest.

“There is almost no better resource than the task force that we have to call upon should we need enhanced, immediate intelligence gathering,” Rhynhart says.

Another Detective works with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on cyber crimes. Social media monitoring is also one of the tools police use to stay aware and gather intelligence. Monitoring can be done on a specific incident or event as well as through the creation of a geo fence to alert investigators to certain phrases and words being used, all with the goal of intercepting and preventing a critical incident from occurring.

Meantime, a general sense of awareness and vigilance in the community can also help with prevention.

“There exists a ‘see something, say something’ philosophy,” Rhynhart says. “If you think that there’s something ‘off’, if you think that an employee or student is acting in a way that is concerning to you, let one of the police officers assigned to your campus know as soon as you can, so we may work with our partners at the University to try to understand what is going on. Most reports we receive are not threatening in nature and do not rise to the level of a criminal violation, but the information gives us an opportunity to talk with and most of the time develop a solution or positive path for an individual. We want to assist in creating a positive and safe environment for all involved.”

An additional component to campus safety is an extensive network of surveillance cameras and blue emergency phones.

The UConn Division of Public Safety offers resources for the public to take an active role in its own safety on its Office of Emergency Management and Community Outreach Unit websites.

“Part of it is being familiar with the information that we put out,” Rhynhart says. “Accessing these websites provides a wide array of tools that will aid in not only your own personal response to hazards, but what you can expect from the University as well. There are fliers and guides, including a campaign we started called ‘Seconds for Safety.’ We break information out into different types of incidents. They’re very quick to consume, you can look at it in seconds, and understand what you should do at any specific moment to ensure a better chance of survival.”

Finding the HealthONE Training Rooms

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HealthONE training is underway. Have you signed up yet? Check the training page for schedule and catalog, and email the training coordinators for help.

How to find the training rooms:

  • The ARB Small Conference Room (EG052) is on the ground floor of what’s also known as the E Building. Look for the sign the near the ARB elevator on Level G.
  • The C2021 Lab Conference Room is on the 2nd floor of the main building. Take the main lobby elevator to Level 2 and look for the sign.
  • OR 2 and OR 9 in the Connecticut Tower are in the former operating room space in the Connecticut Tower. Take the Connecticut Tower elevator (near the food court) to Level B and look for the sign.
  • Rooms 4023-4040 in the Connecticut Tower are on the fourth floor of the Connecticut Tower. Take the Connecticut Tower elevator (near the food court) to Level 4 and look for the sign.
  • The Munson Road locations are at 16 Munson Road, a building separate from the main building. Look for signs in the main lobby.
  • The Outpatient Pavilion is on lower campus. Take the elevator to either Level 2, Level 7, or Level 8 and look for the sign.
  • The L5079 Small Conference Room is on the 5th floor of the Laboratory Building.
Scheduled Class Facility Room Name
Academic Research Building (ARB) ARB Small Conference Room
C Building C2021 – Lab Conference Room
Connecticut Tower OR 2
Connecticut Tower OR 9
Connecticut Tower RM 4023
Connecticut Tower RM 4024
Connecticut Tower RM 4025
Connecticut Tower RM 4026
Connecticut Tower RM 4028
Connecticut Tower RM 4029
Connecticut Tower RM 4030
Connecticut Tower RM 4031
Connecticut Tower RM 4032
Connecticut Tower RM 4033
Connecticut Tower RM 4035
Connecticut Tower RM 4036
Connecticut Tower RM 4037
Connecticut Tower RM 4038
Connecticut Tower RM 4040
L Building L5079 Small Conference Room
Munson Road P4020
Munson Road Accounting Conference Room
Munson Road Sunset
Outpatient Pavilion S2010 Large Conference Room
Outpatient Pavilion S2030 Medium Conference Room
Outpatient Pavilion S7103 A/B Conference Room
Outpatient Pavilion 8th Floor Training Room

Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.

HealthONE: EHR the Core Hub of Interoperability

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Change Control is one of the spokes in wheel that makes up HealthONE, with the electronic health record being the hub, says Giselle Funchion, assistant director of clinical informatics. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

When UConn Health unveils HealthONE in two months, it will be a modern electronic health record system standing not alone, but at the center of a hub of new technology, new roles, new services, and new workflows designed to work together to make the health care experience better for both provider and patient.

Giselle Funchion, assistant director of clinical informatics, breaks it down:

  • OneSign (Imprivata) badge-tap sign-in: “It’s our secure and fast way for our providers to use their badge to access patient records, sort of like a fast lane or fast pass,” Funchion says.
  • Dragon dictation, already in place in outpatient areas, expanding to include inpatient areas: “We are upgrading our dictation system to integrate with the cloud, which will allow for faster transcription throughout the house.”
  • Intellispace obstetrics monitoring for labor and delivery patients: “That will then feed into HealthONE as well for both the monitoring and documentation of those patients.”
  • GI Provation procedural documentation system: “We already have gone live with this. All of this procedural information will feed downward into HealthONE.”
  • Scribes to facilitate provider documentation and entry into the system: “Over the last 6 months we have introduced scribes on the outpatient side. This new role has helped our physicians move patients along more efficiently with timelier completion of their charts. While the scribes do not enter orders or prescriptions, they enter the documentation based on what the provider’s assessing. This allows the providers to be truly present and in the moment with the patient, hearing and understanding their concerns, while the scribe is taking care of that documentation piece.”
  • Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: “We also already have gone live with the EMU, located on the first floor of the University Tower within the intensive care unit. This was a collaboration with our outpatient neurology practice bringing patients in house for controlled seizure monitoring for those patients where traditional regimens might have been unsuccessful.”
  • Intake and Change Control to establish a methodical and stringent process for implementing improvements both before and after go-live. “With such a large system as HealthONE and all of these ancillary systems, the change control process will start from the ONErequest (as we’re saying HealthONE), and there’ll be one click for the end user so they can report an issue or request a change. There will be a tightly controlled method to which we prioritize and make those changes to ensure the intended change is made and items aren’t broken along the way.”

And just as the electronic medical record is just one—albeit major—component of HealthONE, the April 28 go-live date is just one—albeit major—milestone in HealthONE’s implementation.

“I don’t see it as the finish line,” Funchion says. Once you reach go-live, you’re now in an optimization phase. It’s the start of a new beginning… many new beginnings. It’s going to need lots of nourishment, lots of maintenance for its lifetime.”

Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.

UConn Health March 2018 Programs, Events

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Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for March and early April 2018. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 3/6)

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, March 3, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, March 3, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

(Rescheduled 3/6)
Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, March 7
Thursday, March 15, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, March 15, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, March 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, March 17, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, March 26, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, March 28, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, April 7, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, April 7, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, April 9, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).

New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, April 10, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, May 15, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, April 11, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at bit.ly/GetToUCH.

UConn Health February 2018 Programs, Events

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Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for February and early March 2018. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last updated 2/1)

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Feb. 3, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, March 13, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor large conference room S1501
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Feb. 12, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Feb. 26, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

(Canceled 2/1)
Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Feb. 28, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, March 3, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, March 3, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, March 7, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, March 15, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, March 15, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, March 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Directions to UConn Health are available at bit.ly/GetToUCH.

HealthONE: Secure Sign-on With Tap of Badge

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Imprivata Reader
Users will be able to log in to HealthONE by tapping their badge and entering a password that enables them to tap in and out for four hours and 15 minutes without having to provide a password again. (Image provided by Imprivata)

(Updated March 27)

Physicians, nurses, and other providers will be able to quickly and securely access patient records simply by tapping their badge once UConn Health activates its electronic medical record system, HealthONE, in the spring.

The technology—which the vendor, Imprivata, calls “OneSign”—uses badge readers and prompts for a password. Once the password is entered, users will be able to log in to HealthONE by tapping in and out for four hours and 15 minutes without having to provide a password again.

“Using the ID badge instead of stopping to type in a name and password [every time] enables providers to get into the patient record instantly,” says Assistant Vice President for Information Technology Michael Catrini. “Those seconds saved really add up quickly over time and more importantly, you no longer have the patient interaction interrupted or delayed by keying in a password [at every encounter].”

It also enables a more a seamless transition from one provider to the next.

“In a patient room, the record is going to be up on the screen right where the nurse or the MA left off,” says information technology project manager John Virkler. “The nurse or the MA will go in and take vitals, they’ll put all that information in, and they’ll tap their badge. It’ll sign them out but it will leave the patient record up. The screen is blank, it locks up. The provider walks in, taps his or her badge, and it’s all ready for the provider.”

The technology will go beyond the EMR software and the associated ancillary programs that make up HealthONE. Kronos is one example.

“Users who already have a single sign-on ID will not have to enter their credentials to get into Kronos either, it’ll just automatically log them in to Kronos,” Virkler says. “The application just basically puts their user ID and password into any application that’s been profiled.”

Other planned components of this technology include e-prescribing and blood draw. It’s equipped to handle two-factor authentication for circumstances like that, when having a second person sign off is required.

“On the back end we’re building it out so we could easily add other workflows as they’re identified,” Virkler says.

Training on the new technology is part of the regular HealthONE training for users.

“There’s not much to it, you tap in, you tap out, it’s that simple,” Virkler says. “Like ‘wash in, wash out,’ we want to ingrain that. We want to get them into the habit of tapping in and tapping out. If they don’t tap out, it will eventually time them out.”

The idea is to have badge readers in every clinical area, and they eventually could be used in other areas too.

Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.