The American Hospital Association's (AHA) Health Forum has selected Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare as one of the nation's "Most Wired" hospitals, according to results of the 19th Annual Health Care's Most Wired survey, released last month.
The AHA, reports, "Technology is making it easier for patients and providers to interact, thus improving communication, safety and patient-provider relationships. New tools are helping patients become more actively involved in their care and maintaining their health." Mark McMath, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, said, "Technology is a powerful tool which enables us to elevate patient care, improve the patient experience, and enhance patient-and family-centered care," said "We're honored to receive this recognition, but the real value is for our patients because Most Wired is an indicator of a safe organization."
According to the survey, Most Wired hospitals are using smart phones, telehealth and remote monitoring to create more ways for patients to access healthcare services and capture health information. This year's results show:
• 76 percent offer secure messaging with clinicians on mobile devices.
• When patients need ongoing monitoring at home, 74 percent use secure e-mails for patients and families to keep in touch with the care team.
• 68 percent simplify prescription renewals by letting patients make requests on mobile devices.
• 62 percent add data reported by patients to the electronic health record to get a better picture of what is going on with the patient.
• Nearly half of the hospitals are using telehealth to provide behavioral health services to more patients.
• 40 percent offer virtual physician visits.
• More than 40 percent provide real-time care management services to patients at home for diabetes and congestive heart failure.
"The Most Wired hospitals are using every available technology option to create more ways to reach their patients in order to provide access to care," said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. "They are transforming care delivery, investing in new delivery models in order to improve quality, provide access and control costs." HealthCare's Most Wired® survey, conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, 2017, is published annually by Health & Hospitals Networks (H&HN).
