Using Technology to Transform Health Care
COLUMBIA, MD — MedStar Health is designated “Most Wired” according to results of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) HealthCare’s Most Wired survey results, released this month. The designation marks MedStar’s 14th appearance on the list.
Based on an analysis of the Most Wired survey results, hospitals and health systems at the forefront of using healthcare Information Technology (IT) to improve the delivery of care are maximizing the benefits of foundational technologies and embracing new technologies that support population management and value-based care. The most successful organizations not only adopt technology, but apply it strategically to achieve great outcomes.
“With key foundational technologies in place, such as our systemwide Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Enterprise Resource Planning systems, MedStar Information Services and business partners are focused on sustained optimization efforts to enhance workflow and productivity for our associates, as well as the safety and quality of care we provide patients,” says Scott MacLean, senior vice president and chief information officer, MedStar Health. “It is rewarding to be recognized for these efforts.”
MedStar is “Most Wired,” thanks to the work of dedicated teams that continue to make enhancements that ultimately benefit patients, indicates MacLean. One such benefit is the implementation of bedside medical device integration with the MedStar EHR. Patient data from pumps, monitors and other devices flows directly into the system, eliminating the need to manually enter the data in the patient’s health record. This improves the accuracy and timeliness of the data and gives clinicians more time to focus on patients.
MedStar also recognizes the use of mobile devices to improve care is on the rise both within the healthcare setting and at home. It is one of 13 leading providers to partner with Apple in the development of an iPhone Health app that allows patients to access their health information using Apple’s iPhone. Additionally, MedStar is supporting providers’ use of mobile phones to view patient data and capture clinical updates.
Furthermore, the investment in interoperability is a key reason behind the recognition. MedStar is a longstanding partner of Maryland’s regional health information exchange, Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP), and works to increase the reporting and sharing of clinical data with other regional providers with different EHRs.
“This award is a testament to our team’s commitment to embracing innovative ways of delivering the highest levels of quality care and providing the best experience for our patients and providers,” says Kenneth A. Samet, FACHE, president and chief executive officer, MedStar Health. “Most importantly, advances in healthcare IT better enable our ability to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities.”
HealthCare’s Most Wired, now in its 20th year, traditionally tracked the adoption of healthcare IT in hospitals and health systems. CHIME took over the Most Wired program and revised the survey questions and methodology this year to highlight strengths and gaps in the industry. The goal is to identify best practices and promote the strategic use of healthcare IT to elevate the health and care of communities around the world. To learn more about the Most Wired Survey and this year’s recipients, visit https://chimecentral.org/.
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