About

Starting Semester: Fall 2026
Assigned: No
Location: Decatur

Emory Healthcare

Client Profile

The Emory Healthcare Network, established in 2011, is the largest academically based, clinically integrated network in Georgia, with more than 3,800 physicians concentrating in 70 different subspecialties at over 580 provider locations. Our core purpose is to improve lives and provide hope by delivering exceptional care to our patients, their families and the communities we serve.

Project Description

Client Profile
The Rehab Department at Emory Decatur Hospital is an acute care–based service that evaluates and treats patients at the bedside. The team supports discharge planning and inpatient rehabilitation to ensure safe transition to the next level of care or home. Standardized assessments are used to determine patients’ functional status and establish care plans aimed at returning them to baseline or as close as possible.

Client Need

Current Process:
The current documentation workflow in EPIC (our Electronic Health Record software system) includes morning patient assignments, daily chart reviews (8+ per clinician), and documentation such as evaluations, treatment notes, outcome measures, PT/OT/ST fields, triage, and secure communication with care teams.

Key Challenges / Opportunities:
• Chart reviews take over 1 hour and need improved efficiency
• Evaluations require 30+ minutes each
• Treatment notes take 15–20+ minutes each

Why It Matters:
Documentation inefficiencies limit productivity. Reducing time spent on these tasks would allow clinicians to see more patients, improving throughput, length of stay, and patient experience while maintaining quality and compliance.

Desired Outcome:
Develop a more efficient documentation process that reduces time requirements while maintaining clinical accuracy, thoroughness, and regulatory compliance.

Scope and Constraints:
• Dependence on EPIC for documentation
• Limitations with system upgrades and external integrations
• Change management considerations, including staff adoption

Skills

• Process Improvement
• Workflow Analysis
• Data Analysis
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking

Data Access Requirement