For the second time in CST project history, CST Cerner will be upgraded on Tuesday, August 23 to a new version. Moving to a new code level of CST Cerner will standardize solutions, better enable fixes, optimize performance and enhance existing functionality. The first CST Cerner upgrade took place in 2019 (read more).
The seamless upgrade will happen simultaneously across all CST Cerner live sites (see the latest list). CST Cerner will be available during the upgrade. However, connectivity with downstream systems (e.g. EMPI, Sunquest) will be interrupted for 45 minutes on the night of August 22. An IT Broadcast will be sent to notify impacted staff in advance. CST Cerner will remain available and no patient data will be lost or altered.
On Tuesday, August 23:
• Starting at 4:45 a.m. staff actively working in CST Cerner will receive prompts to save their work and log off.
• At 5 a.m. staff still in the system will be automatically logged off. After 5 a.m., staff who log in will start using the new version of CST Cerner.
Training and support for the upgrade
As part of this upgrade, several minor updates will be made to key clinical functions (e.g. Allergies, Documentation, Cerner FirstNet views, MedMgr) and clerical functions (Scheduling Appointment toolbar). For most users, the system will remain largely the same with no major changes.
Any changes specific to your department/specialty have and will continue to be communicated directly via CST special bulletins. Please find FAQs below. Visual examples along with special bulletins related to the upgrade are available in the “What’s New” section of CST Cerner Help.
PHC clinical informatics specialists are available to provide support and answer questions. Contact your program-specific CIS, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CST Cerner Upgrade: FAQs
When is the CST Cerner upgrade happening?
The CST Cerner upgrade is scheduled to take place early on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. The upgrade will happen simultaneously across all CST Cerner live sites. At PHC, this includes: St. Paul’s Hospital, Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, St. John’s Hospice, St. Vincent’s: Honoria Conway, St. Vincent’s: Langara, St. Vincent’s Brock Fahrni, Youville, , Foundry, PHC outpatient clinics (Cycle 1 to 6) and COVID-19 collection centres.
What changes can I expect with the CST Cerner upgrade?
With the upgrade to the latest version of CST Cerner, you can expect increased system stability, improved performance and bug fixes. Benefits of this upgrade will include: additional functionality, such as streamlined emergency department workflow views within Cerner FirstNet, a Reverse Allergy Check Icon, which will trigger CST Cerner to perform a drug allergy test against all charted medications, and other updates to improve usability. Additionally the upgrade provides the necessary infrastructure for future enhancements. The majority of changes are visual and will not impact your current use of the system.
Will I need any additional training?
Overall, no additional classroom training is required for the CST Cerner upgrade. Any changes specific to your department/specialty have and will be communicated directly via the existing CST special bulletins. The following areas have received information about specific changes:
Clinical Specialties:
• Acute
• Ambulatory
• Emergency
• Maternity
• Med Management
• Oncology
• Provider Experience
• Surgery and Anesthesia
Clerical / Administrative roles:
• Registration
• Scheduling
• HIM (Records Management)
Will my department experience any downtime?
CST Cerner will be available during the upgrade. However, connectivity with downstream systems (e.g. EMPI, Sunquest) will be interrupted for 45 minutes on the night of August 22. Impacted staff will be informed in advance. No patient data will be lost or altered, and quality of care will not be affected during the upgrade.
How will I be supported during the CST Cerner upgrade?
All staff and providers can continue to use the 24/7 CST Phone Support line 1-604-806-9333 (press 2) for any questions related to CST Cerner during the upgrade.
Questions will be directed to the Clinical Informatics team from the Service Desk Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
