This ONE UPMC Shift-Select Trick: Productivity Hack Or Myth?
This ONE UPMC Shift-Select Trick: Productivity Hack Or Myth?
UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) systems, particularly their electronic health record (EHR) systems, are notorious for their complexity. Navigating these systems efficiently is crucial for healthcare professionals juggling demanding workloads. One frequently discussed "hack" revolves around a specific keyboard shortcut: Shift-Select. But is this UPMC shift-select trick a genuine productivity booster, or just a myth perpetuated through the digital grapevine? Let's investigate.
The purported "trick" centers on using the Shift key in conjunction with the mouse's selection tool within the UPMC EHR system. The claim is that holding down Shift while dragging your mouse allows for faster, more precise selection of multiple data points, patients, or even sections of text. This is supposed to significantly reduce the time spent clicking individually on each item, streamlining workflows and improving overall efficiency.
Does it work? The answer is nuanced.
While the fundamental function of Shift-Select – extending a selection – works across most operating systems and applications, its effectiveness within the UPMC EHR system depends heavily on the specific version and configuration being used. Older versions might exhibit sluggishness or unexpected behavior, making the Shift-Select method counterproductive. Newer iterations, however, often leverage improved software architecture that responds more swiftly to this shortcut.
Furthermore, the perceived efficiency gain is contextual. For tasks involving selecting a large, contiguous block of data, Shift-Select is undeniably faster. Imagine selecting a consecutive series of patient records for review. Shift-Select excels here. However, for selecting non-contiguous items (e.g., patients scattered throughout a list), Shift-Select might be less efficient than using Ctrl+Click (or Cmd+Click on Mac) to individually select each entry.
Factors influencing the effectiveness:
- EHR Version: The age and specific build of the UPMC EHR system significantly impact performance.
- System Resources: A slow or overloaded computer will negate any potential speed improvements.
- Data Structure: The organization and arrangement of the data being selected affect the efficiency of Shift-Select.
- Individual Proficiency: Experienced users might find the shortcut intuitive and efficient, while novices may find it cumbersome.
Conclusion:
The UPMC Shift-Select trick isn't a universal miracle cure for EHR navigation inefficiencies. It's a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on the context and the user's skill. While it can be a significant productivity boost for specific tasks, it's not a silver bullet. Experiment with Shift-Select within your specific UPMC EHR environment to determine if it improves your workflow. Don't hesitate to explore alternative selection methods, such as Ctrl/Cmd+Click, to find the optimal approach for your needs. Ultimately, mastering your EHR system involves understanding its nuances and adapting your techniques accordingly. Remember to always prioritize patient safety and accuracy above speed.