In most cases, clinics are not required to perform upgrades at specific intervals, particularly when systems are functioning as expected. While the Ocean platform is automatically upgraded every three weeks for all users, this update cycle does not apply to the Ocean tablet software or Ocean Custom Forms (such as the PS Suite Ocean Custom Form). These components require manual updates, initiated by users.
To stay informed about the latest updates, users are encouraged to review and follow the relevant release notes available in the Announcements section.
Reasons to Upgrade
There are several valid scenarios where updating your tablets or EMR integration code may be necessary or beneficial. These include:
- Gaining access to newly released features
- Resolving a known issue
- Ensuring compatibility with clinical forms that depend on a more recent version
To support these needs, the upgrade process has been designed to be efficient and accessible for clinics of all sizes.
Best Practices for Upgrading Tablets
If you choose to proceed with updating your Ocean tablets, we recommend the following best practices, where feasible:
- Stagger the upgrades: Avoid upgrading all tablets simultaneously. Begin with one or two devices located nearby, and confirm that they continue to operate as expected. Given the complexity of system configurations, a phased rollout reduces the risk of disruption.
- Plan for a staged rollout: For larger clinics upgrading multiple tablets, it is advisable to coordinate the upgrade in stages across different teams or areas of the clinic. Assigning a point person to monitor performance and user feedback can help ensure a smooth and controlled transition.
- Avoid peak clinic hours: Upgrades should generally not be performed first thing in the morning or during other high-demand periods in the clinic, in order to minimize the impact of any unexpected issues.
Remote Updates and Emergency Patches
In certain situations, OceanMD staff may initiate a remote update of your tablets or require you to upgrade your EMR integration code prior to resuming use of Ocean. These interventions are typically coordinated during a support call. However, in exceptional circumstances—such as when a security vulnerability or critical bug is identified—updates may be deployed without prior notice.
For questions or further assistance regarding the upgrade process, contact the OceanMD Support team.