International Journal of Instructional Cases (IJIC)

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Epic System Failure: Pain at Plainsboro Medical Center

Zaiyong Tang, Dennis Comeau
Salem State University

Abstract

This case describes an information system failure at a large hospital. The case highlights that information systems are much more than just the technology. Each of the three dimensions of information systems: people, organization, and technology played a critical role in building a robust, reliable, yet ultimately ineffective system. Plainsboro was fortunate that the Epic connection failure did not result in patient deaths. However, it became clear that a major overhaul of its backup and contingency information systems (EMR) was urgently needed.

Keywords:Disaster recovery, system failure, business continuity plan, MIS audit.