Methodist Health System named among nation's 'Most Wired'
Dallas – For the sixth straight year, Methodist Health System is named among the nation’s ‘Most Wired,’ based on results from Hospitals & Health Networks magazine’s Health Care’s Most Wired® 2016 Survey. The award honors achievement in the use of healthcare information technology. Technology is improving the efficiency of care delivery and creating a new dynamic in patient interactions, according to results of the 18th Annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey, released today by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum.
The nation’s Most Wired hospitals are using health information technology (IT) to improve performance in a number of areas, according to Health Care’s Most Wired 2016 Survey released July 6. As a field, hospitals are focused on expanding and adopting IT that protects patient data, optimizes patient flow and communications, and promotes safety.
Most Wired hospitals lead the way in technology integration at all levels, including infrastructure, business and administration management, clinical quality and safety, and care continuum. Methodist Health System gives providers the tools needed to improve the quality of the care and service delivered to members. Methodist is among 20 systems in Texas to be named in this annual survey.
“As the needs of our patient population grew and changed, Methodist realized the importance of transforming our electronic medical record (EMR) system,” says Pamela McNutt, FCHIME, senior vice president and chief information officer, Methodist Health System in Dallas. She adds that one of the reasons for the transformation’s success is the high level of engagement from Methodist physicians.
“Physicians from each of our campuses and every medical specialty were partners in this effort,” says Brian Kenjarski, MD, MBA, FACEP, vice president and chief medical informatics officer, Methodist Health System, says the physicians are committed to innovative technology. Developing computerized physician order entry with evidence-based order sets and thorough clinical content in documentation templates, all support patient safety.
“Hospitals are breaking out of their traditional four walls and providing care where and when patients need it,” said Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the AHA. “These Most Wired hospitals exemplify this transformation by harnessing technology, engaging patients and offering services remotely. And, removing policy and other barriers to telehealth will allow even faster adoption of these amazing technologies.”
Effective use of health information technology helps equip caregivers with the information needed to drive quality, safety and efficiency and to achieve best possible outcomes while managing capacity, reducing costs, and coordinating care across multiple settings.
Health Care’s Most Wired Survey, conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, 2016, asked hospitals and health systems nationwide to answer questions regarding their IT initiatives. The survey of 680 participants, representing an estimated 2,146 hospitals—more than 34 percent of all hospitals in the U.S.—examined how organizations are leveraging IT to improve performance for value-based health care in the areas of infrastructure, business and administrative management; quality and safety; and clinical integration.
The July H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com.
About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated health care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Seven hospitals and 27 Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are among the facilities served by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the fastest-growing health systems in America, Methodist continues to add facilities and services to enhance patient care along the entire continuum. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org. Connect through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
About the American Hospital Association
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks and other providers of care. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit www.aha.org.
About Health Forum
Health Forum is a strategic business enterprise of the American Hospital Association, creatively partnering to develop and deliver essential information and innovative services to help health care leaders achieve organizational performance excellence and sustainability. For more information, visit www.healthforum.com.