Summer 2019 Newsletter
Columbia Ketamine Program Update
Late last year, Columbia Psychiatry began offering comprehensive ketamine treatment for eligible adults at ColumbiaDoctors Midtown. Generally, treatment consists of 8-12 infusions over a 4-6 week period. Our clinicians monitor the patients throughout the process and follow a strict set of guidelines and protocols to ensure that this treatment is administered responsibly.
Since the launch of the program it has received considerable interest, aided by the FDA’s approval of intranasal ketamine earlier in 2019. From January to June 2019 alone, Columbia fielded over 300 requests for ketamine and performed over 100 infusions. We are continuing to work to grow this clinic and are currently looking into developing a protocol for intranasal ketamine as well.
To learn more about the Columbia Ketamine Program, please click here.
Epic Training Update
It may feel like 2019 only just arrived, but we are already half way through the year. And that means our Epic Go Live date of January 2020 is closer than you think. Registration for training for MDs, NPs, PAs was completed in May, and registration for training for psychologists and social workers began on June 3.
Currently, 93% of Physicians vs 62% of Non-Physicians have enrolled for Epic training. Training is a combination of web-based (“e-learning”), in-person classroom training, and time in a personalization lab. E-Learning is the only component that will NOT need registration.
We have created three tracks: Outpatient Behavioral Health Specialist, Inpatient Behavioral Health Specialist, and CPEP. Please choose the track most appropriate for your work. If you work in both outpatient and inpatient settings, you will need to complete both tracks. You must complete the assigned E-learning lessons before your classroom training. E-learnings will begin on October 1. Classroom training will occur November 4-January 30, 2020 and will be held across several facilities, including NYSPI. Training time offerings will vary with some sessions offered outside of the normal business hours in order to protect patient care. If you are an NYPH employee sign up for the in person component will be completed by your manager. If you are a member of the Columbia FPO signup for the in person course will be available in Saba (link provided in email). Please choose a date that is convenient for you. In addition, those who work in the CPEP must take a specific CPEP training track as well. We encourage you to sign up early as the trainings do run into the holiday season.
By now you should have received an email notifying you to sign up. If you did NOT receive an email to sign up, please contact Andrea Rojas and/or the Epic support line at 646-697-EPIC.
If you have any questions, we have a talent team from our clinical administration staff working on this effort. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Drs. Ravi Shah and Denise Leung for clinical concerns. Amy Friedman and Andrea Rojas are able to answer any administrative questions you may have.
Columbia Psychiatry at the APA
This year’s annual American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in San Francisco featured 71 members of Columbia Psychiatry’s faculty speaking on topics ranging from the opioid crisis to how mobile devices will impact care for people with serious mental illness. Congratulations to everyone who presented at the 2019 APA Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeing what you have for us next year in Philadelphia.