| BHS Named Most Wired 2012 |
| July 31, 2012 For Immediate Release Berkshire Health Systems Named 2012 Most Wired: Hospitals Improve Efficiency with Health Information Technology PITTSFIELD, MA - Berkshire Health Systems has been recognized as one of the nation’s Most Wired, according to the results of the 2012 Most Wired Survey, released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. Berkshire Health Systems was one of only nine health systems or hospitals in Massachusetts ranked among the nation’s Most Wired for 2012. The nation’s Most Wired hospitals are leveraging the adoption and use of health information technology (IT) to improve performance in a number of areas, according to Health Care’s Most Wired 2012 Survey. As a field, hospitals are focused on expanding and adopting IT that protects patient data, and optimizes patient flow and communications. “Berkshire Health Systems has had a strong focus on the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for the past decade in order to further improve patient care and was a regional leader in the implementation of integrated electronic systems, including CPOE, diagnostic imaging and a comprehensive medication management system,” said William Young, BHS Chief Information Officer. “We have moved beyond the hospital and are collaborating with community physician practices to expand the EHR system, which helps us to improve quality and patient safety.” Among the key findings this year: • 93% percent of Most Wired hospitals employ intrusion detection systems to protect patient privacy and security of patient data, in comparison to seventy-seven percent of the total responders. • 74% percent of Most Wired hospitals and fifty-seven percent of all surveyed hospitals use automated patient flow systems. • 90% of Most Wired hospitals and seventy three percent of all surveyed use performance improvement scorecards to help reduce inefficiencies. • 100% 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 AHA. Of note, nearly one half of Most Wired hospitals utilize social media for community outreach and crisis communication compared to one-third of total respondents. More than 25 percent offer care management messages and chats with physicians. 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 662 surveys, representing 1,570 hospitals, or roughly 27 percent of all U.S. hospitals. The July H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com. |
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