Beaumont Health System has been named among the nation’s “Most Wired” hospitals, according to Health Care’s “Most Wired” 2012 survey released today in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks, a publication of the American Hospital Association.

The “Most Wired” survey gauges hospitals’ progress in the adoption, implementation and use of information technology. Hospitals on the list also focus on expanding use of on information technology to protect patient data and improve patient flow and communication.

Participating hospitals and health systems are assessed based on four areas of focus: infrastructure; business and administrative management; clinical quality and safety (inpatient/outpatient hospital); and clinical integration (ambulatory/physician/patient/community). Specific requirements are set in each of the four focus areas and organizations must meet all of them to achieve the “Most Wired” designation.

Subra Sripada, VP, CAO, CIO
Beaumont Health System

“Beaumont views information technology as a strategic asset that is a key enabler of our delivery of high quality, high-value health care,” says Subra Sripada, executive vice president and chief administrative and information officer, Beaumont Health System. “Being included on this list affirms the hard work of our team and demonstrates Beaumont’s commitment to being a technology leader in the health care industry.”

Among the key “Most Wired” survey findings this year: 

• 93 percent of “Most Wired” hospitals use intrusion detection systems to protect patient privacy and security of patient data.
• 90 percent use performance improvement scorecards to help improve efficiency.
• 100 percent 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 information technology not only can be used to improve patient care and safety, but is also a means to improve efficiency,” says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the AHA.

The “Most Wired” survey was conducted online from Jan. 15 to March 15. Hospitals and health systems answered questions regarding their information technology initiatives. A total of 662 surveys were completed, representing 1,570 hospitals, or roughly 27 percent of all U.S. hospitals.

The “Most Wired” cover story in the July issue of HHN is available at http://www.hhnmostwired.com/hhnmostwired/html/previouswinners.html.

The 2012 “Most Wired” Survey is conducted in cooperation with McKesson Corporation, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the American Hospital Association.