For more than a decade, many health systems across the country have customized their Epic environments to accommodate workflows and meet the preferences of their end users. While this approach once allowed for flexibility, it also created highly complex and difficult-to-maintain systems that limited scalability and hindered innovation. 

Recognizing the need to modernize and return to a more standardized, foundational Epic build, a leading West Coast Health System partnered exclusively with CSI Companies to lead their Epic Refuel initiative. This was a comprehensive program designed to streamline their EHR environment, optimize workflows and system build, and reimagine governance.  

When a large health system embarked on implementing Epic’s Beaker Module, leadership knew success would require more than a strong technical build. The rollout affected not only laboratory staff, but also nurses, physicians, and phlebotomists who relied on accurate ordering and collection workflows. Ensuring these diverse groups were aligned and confident in new processes presented a significant change management challenge.

To address this challenge, our team partnered with the organization to deploy a holistic strategy focused on three critical components: training, change management, and at-the-elbow support. Together, these elements would prepare staff and ensure confidence at the moment of go-live.

A long-standing healthcare partner came to CSI with their most ambitious training request yet, simultaneous Epic training across rural Iowa during the dead of winter. Snowstorms, limited travel options, scarce hotel rooms, and training space shortages were just the beginning. The client needed a partner who could take on the full logistical burden and keep costs in check.