University Health System named 2012 “Most Wired” Hospital
The 2012 Health Care’s Most Wired Survey, released this week, names University Health System as one of just eight hospitals in Texas to be leading the nation in the use of electronic health records and for leveraging health information technology in “new and envelope-pushing ways.”
The survey, in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, finds Most Wired hospitals deploy health information technology (IT) to improve care, protect patient data, optimize patient flow and improve staff communications.
“University Health System is a forward-thinking organization that makes solid investments in those areas that can help us provide excellent care and service to our patients in the most efficient ways possible,” said University Health System president/CEO George B. Hernández, Jr. “We are honored to once again be recognized as a Most Wired health system, but more important than any prestigious award is the positive impact these new technologies are having on those who entrust us with their health and lives.”
The annual Most Wired survey is a partnership of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine and the American Hospital Association. This year’s survey was conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, 2012, and respondents represent 1,570 hospitals, or roughly 27 percent of all U.S. hospitals. Key findings from the study include:
- 93 percent of Most Wired hospitals employ intrusion detection systems to protect patient privacy and security of patient data (in comparison to 77 percent of the total respondents)
- 74 percent of Most Wired hospitals use automated patient flow systems (compared to 57 percent of all surveyed hospitals)
- 90 percent of Most Wired hospitals use performance improvement scorecards to help reduce inefficiencies (compared to 73 percent of all surveyed)
- 100 percent of Most Wired hospitals check drug interactions and drug allergies when medications are ordered as a major step in reducing medication errors
“As shown by these survey results, hospitals continue to demonstrate how IT not only can be used to improve patient care and safety but it is also a means to improve efficiency,” says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association.
“Equipping caregivers with the information needed to drive quality, safety and efficiency will continue to be an imperative as the challenges facing health systems grow increasingly complex,” added Pat Blake, president, McKesson Technology Solutions, a sponsor of the annual survey.
The July H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com.
About the AHA
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is the national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks, and their patients and communities. Close to 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 40,000 individual members come together to form the AHA. 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 the AHA website at www.aha.org.
About the Most Wired Survey
The 2012 Most Wired Survey is conducted in cooperation with McKesson Corporation, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), and the American Hospital Association.
About University Health System
Owned by the people of Bexar County, University Health System is a nationally recognized academic medical center and network of outpatient health centers. It is the first public health system in Texas to be designated as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In partnership with UT Medicine San Antonio, University Health System is recognized as the Best Hospital in San Antonio by U.S. News & World Report. University Health System is committed to changing lives, advancing medicine and improving access to the highest level of care to the people of Bexar County and beyond. Learn more at www.UniversityHealthSystem.com.
