BICS Modernization Progressing
In preparation for the February 2005 system upgrade, BICS will undergo an “enhancement
freeze” from September 30 through the end of February. This freeze is necessary
to allow developers to complete final code migration and for BICS to be thoroughly
tested on the new platform.
BICS modernization is a multi-year project that is converting 137 integrated
applications (45,000 DOS-based programs) to newer Cache technology while maintaining
the same functionality. Thanks to an IS-designed emulator, BICS users will find
the same navigation on the new system as the old, which is expected to minimize
training needs.
The new BICS computing environment will offer greater stability and reliability
than the current platform. When users logon to BICS, it will start much more quickly
and demand less disk space and memory on PC’s. BICS will use Windows controls
and be capable of directly launching web applications.
BWH has been recognized as a leader nationally for its advanced physician order
entry system and is recognized for its many achievements in support of patient
safety. According to Sue Schade, chief information officer, “BICS modernization
is a major step forward to ensure that we have a more reliable and efficient underlying
infrastructure to support this functionally rich system.”
Nancy Kruger, DNSc, RN vice chief nursing officer said, “Patient care
at BWH today relies heavily on a strong BICS system for clinical applications.
This upgrade is essential to support the growing use of IS applications for excellent
patient care.”
Acceptance testing is planned for November and December, where BICS users will
test all BICS applications prior to the upgrade going live. BICS modernization
will have its own web site, accessible from Pike Notes, beginning in September.