Akron Children’s Reduces Waste Anesthesia Gases with Real-Time Analytics
March 10, 2026
A pediatric anesthesiologist describes how Epic helped the hospital eliminate nearly 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in a single year.
In Healthcare IT News, Dr. Peggy Allen of Akron Children’s Hospital describes how the hospital’s anesthesiology team used Epic to measure, track, and ultimately transform its anesthesia practices—reducing waste anesthesia gas emissions by eliminating nearly 500 metric tons of CO2 equivalents in 2025 alone.
The effort began with baseline data captured through the Epic EHR, which allowed the team to understand exactly how much gas each provider was using and identify opportunities for low-flow anesthesia techniques. Simple interventions like an electronic low-flow reminder built into the EHR produced an immediate 5% reduction in nitrous oxide use.
Over nearly four years, the team reduced total fresh gas flows by 50% and nitrous oxide use by more than 85%—all while increasing anesthesia minutes by 20%. Allen credits the combination of Epic data, colleague education, and real-time analytics for making the sustained behavior change possible.
Memorial Hermann Health System Clinicians Use Epic’s AI Tool to Help Patients Better Understand Test Results
September 8, 2026
Clinicians at Memorial Hermann Health System (MHHS) are using a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool built directly into Epic to help patients better understand their test results and to make informed decisions about next steps in their care journey.
AI Helps OLVG Clinicians Reduce Note-Writing Time By Over 30%
September 2, 2026
As Chart with Art—Epic’s native AI charting—handles documentation, clinicians report improved focus on the conversation in the room, fostering better visit experiences and work-life balance.
Patients of the rural health system can use Ask Emmie to receive answers that are grounded in their full health history, including past visits and test results.
