Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital started using Ascend-IP in June 2004.  They also utilize Ascend ADT and Billing interfaces with their hospital information system.  

The Director of Pharmacy Services at Cardinal Hill is David Santrock, Jr. Pharm.D.  When we asked David his opinions about the Ascend-IP implementation process, David replied, "The Ascend-IP implementation process was extremely smooth. Although we have a very small pharmacy staff, I was able to accomplish the initial implementation steps and training by means of several short phone sessions with Hann's On Software's (HOS) support personnel.  I preferred this approach to an on-site method of setting up. "

David continued, "After the set-up period, our "go-live" process was accomplished with an HOS support person at our hospital. This was the same person I'd been working with by phone, and had established rapport with. The 'go-live' process was done without question or hesitation. All-in-all, it was a very smooth transition to Ascend-IP.  The training provided by HOS was helpful and complete, and as a result, I was able to navigate through the software with ease upon the conclusion of our go-live week."

We asked David if the Ascend-IP program changed how his pharmacy operates and he replied, " I can say that using the program has changed our pharmacy by enhancing our ability to track doses and orders. Ascend-IP also has a more enhanced and flexible approach including using default settings such as user-defined MAR notes and special medication instructions. Ascend-IP is generally very easy to navigate compared to older DOS or UNIX based versions."

When we asked David if there are any areas for improvement he said, " I'd like some enhancements in the outpatient and narcotic record keeping functions. I'd also like a built-in report writer instead of using canned reports." [Editor's note: Most of our standard reports provide numerous filters and configurations to provide a comprehensive variety of report options. Many of these filters are user-defined. If you prefer, custom reports can also be created using widely available report writers such as MS-Access and Crystal Reports.]

David concluded his remarks by saying,  "I would recommend Hann's On Software because of the one-on-one approach they have with regards to training, installation and support; the economies of their IT approach; and the absolute flexibility of the programming and support staff.  I think Ascend-IP is well organized and flexible, and we love its ease-of-use, consistency, and track ability. Furthermore, their support staff has been exemplary! I can count on being taken seriously by HOS staff, and I've been provided with an honest and helpful response to every inquiry I've posed."  

    - David Santrock, Jr. PharmD, Director of Pharmacy