July 10, 2006
Three-Peat: Genesis Health System Named One Of Nation’s 100 Most Wired
DAVENPORT, Iowa – July 10, 2006 – Genesis Health System has been recognized for the third consecutive year for its investment in technology to achieve high standards of patient safety.
Genesis has been recognized as one of the nation’s 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems. The 100 Most Wired were selected by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine based on their use of information technology to accomplish key goals, including safety and quality objectives.
Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, Iowa was recognized for the first time as one of the 25 Most Wired small and rural hospitals.
"This recognition reaffirms that the Genesis investment in information technology has a direct link to patient safety, quality of care and patient comfort,’’ said Rob Frieden, Vice President of Information Services, Genesis Health System. "There are always new innovations in health care technology.
"The Most Wired award recognizes that Genesis will be a leader whenever we can improve patient care and the safety of our patients.’’
According to the 2006 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study, the nation’s 100 Most Wired are improving quality, satisfaction and patient care by investing in technology in the following ways:
- 99 percent of the Most Wired hospitals provide digital radiology images in the hospital inpatient setting. All four Genesis Health System hospitals use Picture Archiving Communications System, or PACs, to make radiology images available throughout the system.
- 92 percent of the medical records at Most Wired hospitals are available digitally. Genesis Health System has been a national leader in the use of electronic medical records throughout the system.
- 36 percent of medications are ordered electronically by physicians in Most Wired hospitals. Genesis Health System uses the Omnicell automated medication dispensing system.
Frieden cited several technology innovations Genesis has initiated since being recognized as a Most Wired health system last year. They are:
Computer Physician Order Entry (CPOE) – CPOE software systems are electronic prescribing systems that prevent errors when they are most likely to occur... at the time medications are ordered. With CPOE software systems, physicians enter orders into a computer rather than on paper. Orders are integrated with patient information, including laboratory and prescription data. The physician receives prompts warning against the possibility of drug interaction, allergy and overdose. The physician also receives information about new drugs as they are introduced in the market.
Omnicell – The automated medication dispensing system dispenses medications at the point of use, increasing patient safety, improving workflow efficiency and enhancing security. Key features include biometric (fingerprint) ID, single-dose dispensing and bar code confirmation.
SurgiNet – Genesis Health System is introducing the system that automates operating room processes and procedures, standardizes nursing care documentation, enhances surgical supply chain management and improves billing accuracy. Once a patient leaves the operating room, SurgiNet integrates with PowerChart, allowing nurses in the unit where care will continue to instantly access a patient’s surgical record. SurgiNet also can create a chronological record of the patient’s perioperative history.
WiFi – Wireless Fidelity, or WiFi, is available throughout the Genesis Medical campuses in Davenport, DeWitt, Iowa and Silvis, Ill. Wireless Internet access allows patients, families, physcians and visitors to log on to the Internet without plugging into a phone jack or cable line.
Genesis has also introduced employee self service, which allows employees to handle human resources tasks and document personal information through a secure web portal, eliminating the need for paper record keeping. Genesis also has E-Recruiting available for seeking employees.
"Technology is a critical component of our health care system, allowing us to have a seamless flow of information that connects us both internally and externally,’’ Frieden said.
A total of 1,217 hospitals were represented in 541 completed surveys.
Genesis Medical Center, Davenport is one of 71 health care organizations on the list of 100 that have made the list at least three times.
About Genesis Health System
Genesis Health System and its affiliates offer a full continuum of care, including preventive, primary, acute and tertiary hospital care; home health; hospice; rehabilitation; and long-term care. Its affiliates include Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, DeWitt and the Illini Campus in Silvis, Illinois; Visiting Nurse Association and GenVentures Inc. Serving a 10-county area of eastern Iowa and western Illinois, the Health System also operates Genesis Health Group and Genesis Behavioral Resources. For more information, visit our Web site at www.genesishealth.com.
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