Epic vs. Cerner -- head-to-head comparison

[dee122381]

Hello, I am currently getting my BSN and am taking a Nursing Informatics course. Once of our assignments is to compare two EMR systems in terms of:

* Features of each system (barcode, CPOE, etc.)

* Security of patient information on each system

* Patient teaching on each system

* Can this system be used in all departments of the hospital?

* Support offered with each system

* Etc...

I could choose any two systems and compare them, but I am choosing to compare Epic and Cerner, because my hospital is adopting Cerner next summer, and I would like to know how it differs from its major competitor, Epic. I have been researching this topic for several days, but I am finding it difficult to come up with a head-to-head comparison. If anyone is familiar with both of these systems and would like to contribute some info, it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time!

[rninformatics, DNP, RN]

Just a suggestion....but you may be casting too big a net.

Both Cerner and Epic have multiple modules that compose their electronic medical record.

Some organizations choose to purchase only one, a few or the whole suite of a vendor's software.

Perhaps you should compare one of each's modules - their electronic documentation system, their bar code medication adminsitration module or their order manager or order entry app???

There also may be a great deal of variable even within all the modules of the same vendor related to functionality, system stability, interoperability and even support and training.

Or maybe you can compare integration of each vendor's modules with each other?

Your question: "Can this system be used in all departments of the hospital" is confusing me.

Again if you are talking about the EMR modules of either vendor then yes if you are talking about Bar Code Medication Adminsitration no as not all departments in the hospital enter, order, administer, verify, dispense, etc medications.

Good Luck with your assignment!