Technology Updates

During the past eight months, a joint technology initiative has been underway to improve the ease of use, and to reduce existing technology duplications between the Department of Family Medicine and the University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation. As a result of the collaborative work accomplished between DFM and UWMF staff, the same username and password is now used to access:

• Novell
• GroupWise
• Metaframe
• Epic resources

In addition to streamlining usernames and passwords, the DFM networks have been merged with UWMF networks. This network merger provides an increased level of redundancy in accessing UWMF resources and allows DFM to take advantage of enhanced security precautions through UWMF. These collaborative technology efforts between DFM and UWMF are required steps for a future migration of GroupWise email and Novell file services to UWMF.

In addition to collaborating with UWMF, ITS conducted a survey in March 2007 to establish a baseline rating of current technology services and to identify areas for improvement. The ITS survey response rate was 35%. Here are quick highlights from the survey:

Areas of Positive Feedback

• 91% respondents indicated they have a reliable computer.
• 91% respondents indicated the amount of spam is manageable.
• 87% respondents indicated they have needed software to do their job.
• 87% respondents indicated the server uptime is appropriate.
• 84% respondents indicated timely service from ITS staff.
• 82% respondents indicated they receive helpful service from ITS staff.

Areas to Address

• 44% respondents indicated the need for fewer passwords to manage.
• Passwords are now synchronized for residency sites between UWMF and DFM.
• 30% respondents indicated the need for more technology training.
• An end user training plan is slated as a 2007-2008 ITS Deliverable.
• 18% respondents indicated the need for more access to reliable peripheral(s).
• Gathering more information.
• 17% respondents indicated the need for remote access.
• Remote access is a standard configuration option on DFM laptops. As a result of merging Novell file services with UWMF (Fall 2007), a larger population of DFM faculty and staff will have remote access availability to Novell files via the use of Metaframe.

The ITS survey also posed open-ended questions about how technology could better serve faculty and staff members and better serve the Department mission areas. Below are the themes from the open-ended survey questions:

How can technology better support your role?

1. Improve the Web Site
   • The launch date for the new external Department web site is October 12, 2007.
     The Web Oversight Committee, a committee of DFM faculty and staff charged to represent the Department, has been meeting since February, 2007. The Web Oversight Committee is determining content, presentation and technical changes needed to leverage the Department's online presence. For the more information about the Web Oversight Committee and/or most recent meeting notes, please visit: https://inside.fammed.wisc.edu/its/
     webteam/index.html
2. Increase End User Training
   • Slated as a deliverable for ITS in 2007-2008.
3. Have Fewer Passwords to Manage
• Completed at the DFM residency sites in the spring of 2007.

How can technology better support the research mission?

1. More attention to database needs
2. More attention to research technology. Define expectations, outcomes, and resources.
   • ITS staff are working with Mary Beth Plane, PhD, Director of Research Services, to implement a process for prioritizing, and planning ongoing work for database support for research including active databases, databases in development, planned databases

How can technology better support the education mission?

1. Address web site needs
2. Continue with New Innovations focus
3. Provide more technology training
4. Implement on-line resources to support medical education
   • The ITS Staff are working with the Statewide Education Committee to clarify online learning priorities for 2007-2008.

How can technology better support the patient care mission?

1. Complete the implementation of EpicCare (Phase 3, LIS)
2. Frustrations with EpicCare and time required
3. Develop chronic disease registries
4. Provide for more functions in EpicCare
   • Survey results have been shared with the Clinical Care Committee and leadership at UWMF. UWMF is responding to survey feedback pertaining to EpicCare and results will be brought back to the Clinical Care Committee.

What do you value about current technology services at DFM?

1. ITS Staff are easy to work with and friendly
2. Help Desk and Clinic Support
3. Available and knowledgeable
4. Increased support with the addition of new staff

To see more details of the ITS survey results and/or to view the most current "ITS Deliverables and Project Status Report," please visit: https://inside.fammed.wisc.edu/its/index.html.