Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center (PBGMC) converted to Ascend-IP in June of 2001. They currently utilize several Ascend interfaces including ADT (from M2 and PBAR), Billing (to PBAR*), Orders (transmitted to a utilization review program), Pyxis* profiling, and a Laboratory interface (with Cerner).  Judy Arnold, the Director of Pharmacy, had the following comments:

"Several people were involved in the pharmacy system changeover, including myself, the Assistant Director of Pharmacy, the IS director, and an IS systems analyst. We wanted to review Ascend-IP, so we implemented a trial version of the software for 6 months. Some of our requirements included ease-of-use, good reporting capabilities, accurate billing, and ease of interfacing with other systems.

After choosing to move forward, we ordered equipment through our IS department. This process was very time consuming. We spent time debating what equipment to purchase, since "minimum" equipment requirements would be inadequate for our volume/size. If you plan on having more than 5 simultaneous users, or a large number of admissions with a short length of stay, I recommend that you use SQL Server for your database platform with Ascend-IP, rather than MS-Access. Also, be sure the network cards, cable, and etc. support network speeds of at least 100mbs. (We went live with 10mbs and this was not fast enough). Finally, be sure you install adequate RAM in each PC (256 should be the minimum). [Editor's note: HOS currently requires SQL Server for all new installations.]

We obtained our training via telephone conferences with a HOS trainer. The training manual is helpful. It would also be useful to have a training module on-line, or a hosted "Web-Ex" type demonstration for newly hired employees (e.g., monthly?). [ Editor's note: HOS instituted use of WebEx^R for training in 2003. In 2004, HOS switched to GoToAssist^R  for web-based training and for web-based support services.]

We found it takes longer to process orders with Ascend IP than it did with HOS's older DOS program. We were already "borderline" in needing more staff and had to add staff when we changed to the new program. We also really miss the report writer that was in our old DOS application. [Editor's note: Most of the pre-built Ascend-IP reports provide multiple filters/options to maximize report flexibility while keeping them easy-to- use.  You can also use Microsoft Access and Crystal Reports to create custom reports for Ascend-IP]

On-the-other-hand, we like being able to use the various search functions for each task. We also love that it can handle "odd-ball" dosing schedules.  We also love being able to download the program updates; its so much nicer than dealing with discs! Furthermore, with Ascend-IP we have a Cerner laboratory  interface which was not available with the old program. The Cerner interface is new and is being fine tuned, but otherwise our four Ascend-IP interfaces are meeting our needs. Overall, we're happy with Ascend-IP.

Hann's On Software provides excellent support. I have been working with them since 1987, and we have always had excellent service and response to our calls. It's been great working the support team at Hann's On, and I recommend the product highly!"

- Judy Arnold, Director of Pharmacy

* Editor's note: March 2004  -  Palm Beach Gardens recently added a Pyxis Profiling interface to their Ascend-IP installation. They also recently changed from our Keane/Patcom billing interface to our Perot/PBAR billing interface.