CoxHealth has again been recognized as Most Wired by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. There are 10 health care facilities in Missouri and only one in Springfield on the list of Most Wired hospitals.
As the nation’s health care system transitions to more integrated and patient-centered care, hospitals are utilizing information technology to better connect disparate care providers, according to the 16th annual Health Care’s Most Wired Survey, conducted by Hospitals & Health Networks.
For instance, 67 percent of Most Wired hospitals share critical patient information electronically with specialists and other care providers. Most Wired hospitals, those that meet a set of rigorous criteria across four operational categories, have made tremendous gains by using IT to reduce the likelihood of medical errors. Among Most Wired hospitals, 81 percent of medications are matched to the patient, nurse and order via bar code technology at the bedside.
“I’m extremely pleased to see CoxHealth achieve the Most Wired recognition as it reflects our commitment to use information technology in ways to improve process, quality, safety, and the overall patient experience,” says Bruce Robison, Vice President and CIO, Si3, CoxHealth. “The journey doesn’t end with Most Wired, but it is a true milestone on our roadmap.”
“The Most Wired data show that shared health information allows clinicians and patients to have the information they need to promote health and make the most informed decisions about treatments,” says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association.
Some of the IT projects that helped CoxHealth earn the Most Wired status include:
· Remote Hosting Option that moved a core Electronic Medical Record infrastructure into an off-site data center, providing greater system reliability, stability and performance.
· Lawson systems, including handhelds, for more accurate supply chain management.
· CPOE deployment in Ferrell-Duncan Clinic.
· Deploying online Medication Reconciliation within all CoxHealth hospitals.
· Embedding Core Measures documentation within the EMR.
· Deploying inpatient ePrescribing.
· Deploying and solidifying the Infection Control solution within the hospital.
"Hospital leaders should be commended for the hard work they've done under an unrealistic time frame,” states Russell P. Branzell, president and CEO of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, referring to federal requirements that health care providers adopt and meaningfully use a certified electronic health records (EHR).
Health Care’s Most Wired Survey, conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, asked hospitals and health systems nationwide to answer questions regarding their IT initiatives. Respondents completed 680 surveys, representing 1,900 hospitals, or more than 30 percent of all U.S. hospitals.
The July H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com.
Posts
