UMMC among "most wired" health-care facilities

JACKSON, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Medical Center was recently named to the 2014 “Most Wired” list for health-care facilities by Hospitals & Health Networks Magazine. This is the second time UMMC has been recognized with the honor.

Chou

“I am proud that UMMC has been recognized for 2 years in a row,” said David Chou, chief information officer of UMMC’s Department of Information Systems. “We are just getting started with the utilization of our technology portfolio to streamline operation efficiencies. The team has done a great job in shifting their mindset from being the traditional IT to now providing business value for the organization.”

In partnership with the American Hospital Association, the magazine conducts the survey each year to recognize organizations for excellence in IT services and technology deployment in patient care.

For instance, the magazine says, 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. 

“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,” said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association. “Hospitals, their clinicians and their communities are doing tremendous work to enhance their IT systems in ways that support care and delivery improvement, and patient engagement goals.”

“Our electronic health record system has transformed UMMC, and its meaningful use is evident in this great accomplishment,” said Kevin Yearick, UMMC’s DIS Chief Technology Officer. “The number of clinical devices and ancillary systems that are interfaced with the electronic health record allows for more time with the patient and less time entering information on the keyboard.”

UMMC was one of four medical centers in Mississippi to be recognized as “Most Wired” in the study. Others included St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson and North Mississippi Health Services in Tupelo. Magnolia Regional Health in Corinth was also included and was named as one of the “Most Improved” facilities in the state.

To view the complete 2014 “Most Wired” list, click here.

 

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