Digital Minute: Epic Smart User Program

By Walter Reiling, MD, system chief medical information officer, Premier Health; and Mandy Via, system director of access, referral management, and telehealth, Premier Health

We rely on Epic every day, but many of its newer tools remain underutilized. Research from the KLAS Arch Collaborative shows that just three to five hours of annual advanced Epic training can make a meaningful difference in workflow efficiency and ease of use. While our Epic is configured with a wide range of capabilities, much of it is not fully leveraged, leading to inefficiencies and increased friction in workflows.

The SmartUser program offers a structured opportunity to improve Epic proficiency through 21 free, high-quality, and live virtual courses. These sessions cover various topics, from specialty-specific quick wins to advanced tools like “Intro to SmartTools” and “Reviewing the Chart.” Providers who complete eight courses and a capstone project can receive certification as an Epic SmartUser.

Organizations that have implemented SmartUser programs have reported greater adoption of personalization tools, improved productivity, and a reduction in after-hours charting, leading to a more efficient workflow and better overall experience with Epic. The SmartUser program provides an accessible way to develop these skills, with the potential to reduce administrative burden and improve patient care. In the future, we will have other initiatives relating to more efficient use of Epic, including integration of AI functionality and Ambient Documentation.

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to:

Walter Reiling, MD, chief medical informatics officer, at wareiling@premierhealth.com

David Cha, MD, associate chief medical informatics officer, at dcha@premierhealth.com

Back to the March 2025 issue of Premier Pulse