UF Health IT is launching secure and convenient “badge tap” computer access for all Gainesville hospitals, outpatient services and medical practices, now through spring 2023. On enabled workstations, the technology requires only a single manual sign-on, then users can subsequently tap in and tap out using their authorized key fob and the workstation’s fob reader.

Next up are UF Health Physicians clinical practices and UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital. UF Health IT launched the convenient, secure technology this spring for UF Health Shands Hospital Medicine Unit 74 and UF Health – The Oaks. Users say the new system makes their work lives easier.

“From the first day using badge tap in the clinic, the transition was phenomenal,” said Eric Grieser, M.D., UF College of Medicine clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology and medical director of the UF Health Eye Center at The Oaks. “Going from having to enter our password in between each patient visit — with 30-40 patients a day — to logging in only once a day to then just tap and access Epic has been remarkable. We can seamlessly access the patient chart within a few seconds and focus on providing care.”

Patient satisfaction is a shared priority.

“Because of the time saved, we can engage more with patients and their families, which I feel gives them a better experience,” said Stephanie Manning, C.O.T., ophthalmic technician at the UF Health Eye Center – The Oaks.

Traci d’Auguste, UF Health Shands COO, explained, “Badge tap technology allows clinicians to move more seamlessly between a patient’s bedside or exam room, the nurses’ station and staff workroom, etc. It supports their work and gives them time back by reducing unnecessary ‘clicks’ throughout their day. Now, we’re hearing from other departments requesting fob readers.”

Nursing colleagues confirm the great feedback.

“Staff who come into our unit to work want it brought into their areas,” said Tiffany LeGault, M.S.N., RN-BC, nurse manager of UF Health Shands Hospital Medicine Unit 74. “Registering and learning how to use the technology was simple. Any process that saves us a few extra minutes during a busy shift is a win, and the staff on our unit love it! Nobody has had a single issue or complaint about it. It really is a time-saver.”

Here’s the rollout timeline:

• June-ongoing — UF Health Physicians medical practices
• July-August 2022 — UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital
• August-November 2022 — UF Health Shands Hospital
• November 2022-January 2023 — UF Health Heart and Vascular and UF Health Neuromedicine hospitals
• January-February 2023 — Other UF Health Shands facilities

UF Health IT manages the Imprivata OneSign® Authentication Management system. IT teams install readers and configure selected workstations to enable single sign-on or logout for Epic, the Bridge and Shands Outlook Web Access (with access to other apps in the works). Training before and after the “go-lives” reinforces how the software enables fast, secure access to the desktop and Epic from any workstation with a fob reader. The tools are user-friendly and responsive. They improve data security and safeguard against unauthorized access to patient medical records and sensitive information. This system protects unattended, locked hospital workstations from unauthorized access.

“Epic even seems to load faster with badge tap than with the traditional login methods. Overall, while it’s a small feature, it’s had an outsized impact,” said Brian Lobo, M.D., UF College of Medicine assistant professor of otolaryngology and UF Health associate medical informatics officer.

Stephanie Smith, director of UF Health IT Technical Services, leads IT’s interdisciplinary workgroup that continues to deploy badge tap, train staff and make the transition as simple as possible for customers. Approximately 43 IT staff from 17 teams are involved.

“Each rollout becomes easier as we better anticipate questions and continually improve preparation and training,” she said. “We are so encouraged by the positive response from our pilot locations and by the excitement the technology has generated throughout the organization.”

Note: Get help with your IT tools or services: Please use the IT Help portal to log in and complete a “New Service Request” or call 352-265-0526. On the Bridge, search “IT Customer Updates” for the latest from UF Health IT.