Epic® Hyperdrive is here, and most health systems can expect to upgrade from Classic Hyperspace to Hyperdrive throughout 2023. Epic’s new web-based client is expected to improve user experience, add client deployment flexibility and simplify Epic upgrades.
As you begin your upgrade to Epic Hyperdrive, you may have questions about timelines, requirements and what the expected lift from your team will be. IT departments can expect the largest lift, but training teams will likely need to update some existing support content and help prepare staff for the transition, as well. We’ve collected some helpful tips for how to prepare for Epic Hyperdrive in this article.
What is Epic Hyperdrive?
Epic Hyperdrive is a lightweight, web-enabled version of Epic’s electronic health record (EHR) that runs on an embedded browser based on Chromium. It is Epic’s latest client application, replacing Epic’s existing desktop-based client, Classic Hyperspace. Hyperdrive provides healthcare-focused enhancements not found in typical browsers, such as specialized device integrations, robust printing, location awareness and improved PHI security.
Benefits of Epic Hyperdrive
In line with standard best practices for client software applications, Epic’s move to Hyperdrive marks its foray into a web-based framework for its client application. Web-based frameworks offer a variety of benefits that may not be apparent to end users on the surface.
Most importantly, Epic’s new web-based framework provides the tools and foundation for Epic to streamline development and innovation. Epic has set the expectation for a more modern user interface, streamlined workflows and better performance following the release of Hyperdrive.
Health IT departments will also enjoy the benefits of Epic’s new web-based framework. In time, Epic expects the Hyperdrive client to ease the installation and maintenance of Epic on individual workstations. However, Epic does advise systems to continue using their current deployment method for initial deployment of Hyperdrive. Once deployed, Hyperdrive won’t need to be upgraded at the same time health systems upgrade to a new version of Epic, which will save time and accelerate the upgrade process.
How do I prepare my team for the switch to Epic Hyperdrive?
Based on what we know so far, the upgrade to Epic Hyperdrive should be fairly seamless for training departments at organizations that have continued to implement all key features during usual upgrade cycles. IT departments will carry the heaviest lift. Epic trainers and development teams should focus on how to prepare staff for the transition to Epic Hyperdrive.
Planning and coordination
While some organizations may choose to roll out Hyperdrive across the entire organization in a roll-out, most others plan to perform staged rollouts. For example, your organization may roll out Hyperdrive to super users or specific departments before rolling it out to the whole organization. Work with your organization and IT department to establish a timeline for your transition to Epic Hyperdrive.
Content management and updates
Fortunately for training teams, the upgrade to Hyperdrive introduces minimal UI changes for most users. Some organizations are not planning on overhauling existing training content to match the few changes to the UI coming with Epic Hyperdrive. Instead, those systems plan to send an announcement to users highlighting the UI changes users may encounter while keeping existing training content as-is. Existing content will be updated as it approaches the end of its usual lifecycle. Some uPerform clients plan to add a slide to their uPerform course notifying users of potential UI changes. They will then link to Epic or internally created materials that illustrate the key UI updates.
Ultimately, your training team will need to determine which training materials need to be updated to match organizational needs and how these updates will be communicated. Obtaining early access during the testing stage will help your team prepare for any necessary updates.
Change communication and training
Who in your organization is in charge of informing your Epic users of important dates and information related to your transition to Hyperdrive? Users will need to know when they can expect to first login to Hyperdrive, how to access it and how it impacts their daily tasks.
Remember, communications and learning content in uPerform can be delivered to users based on their specific role. Our change communication tool can be a great resource for delivering relevant updates and information and ensuring end-user acknowledgment. If you’re creating any instructional materials to help users with the transition, uPerform’s role-based delivery will save your clinicians time searching for answers to their how-to questions and ensure your content is relevant.
When do I need to transition from Epic Hyperspace to Hyperdrive?
Epic Hyperdrive was released for initial testing in November 2021. Its May 2022 update provided widespread access for nearly all users. While some health systems have already begun their Hyperdrive transition, most will make the switch in 2023. Epic strongly recommends that all health systems move their users to Hyperdrive by the May 2023 release.
It is worth noting that the Hyperspace client will remain in use in the short term. The activities used by analysts and builders won’t be fully upgraded to Hyperdrive until a future version, and those roles will need to maintain access to Hyperspace. Epic expects to completely replace its classic Hyperspace client with Hyperdrive in the next 2-5 years.
Will I still be able to access uPerform from Epic Hyperdrive?
uPerform is committed to supporting our healthcare clients as they upgrade to Hyperdrive, and we do not expect any major interruptions to the uPerform services. As we discover more by supporting client upgrades starting in the new year, we will update this article to share best practices and other important information. Current clients can expect uPerform to be fully compatible with Hyperdrive.
About uPerform
uPerform is a just-in-time training and support platform that integrates with Epic to provide users with role-based help materials in their flow of work. uPerform’s unique ability to deliver relevant content at the time and place of need helps health systems support EHR users from onboarding through important updates and changes to their workflows. Health systems utilizing uPerform have reported reduced time spent in training, increased engagement with new workflows and improved Net EHR Experience Scores (NEES).
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