Genesis Health System Named One Of Nation’s 100 Most Wired

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Genesis has been recognized nationally for the fifth consecutive year for the use of technology to provide patients with the highest standards of safety and quality of care.

Genesis has been selected as one of the nation’s 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems. The 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems are named by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine based on the use of information technology to accomplish key goals, including safety and quality objectives.

No other regional hospital or health system has been recognized five consecutive years.

The 100 Most Wired list is based on the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study conducted annually by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, which is the journal of the American Hospital Association. More than 1,300 hospitals, or about 22 percent of U.S. hospitals, submitted data to the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study.

The nation’s 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems demonstrate better outcomes in patient satisfaction, risk-adjusted mortality rates and other key quality measures through the use of information technology, according to new analysis.

Rob Frieden, Vice President of Information Services, Genesis Health System, said Genesis is committed to investing in new technology if there are measurable benefits to patient care.

"Whenever we look at implementing new technology, our first priority is always the patient and the care delivery process.'' Frieden said. "Will the new technology make our patients safer? Will it provide them with a better patient experience?

"And finally, will the new technology also create efficiencies for our caregivers and staff? At Genesis, we recognize the important link between the use of information technology and patient safety and quality of care.

Frieden cited several technology innovations Genesis has initiated or expanded since being recognized as a Most Wired health system last year. They are:

• INet - New ICU software for electronic patient documentation

• IView (Interactive View) and PAL (Patient Activity List) provide nurses with a graphical view to help care givers document and track important events regarding the patient

• CareAware - A bedside medical device integration that captures vital signs at the bedside in emergency departments, intensive care units, and post anesthesia care units

• SurgiNet at Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt -- A perioperative computer system available when the patient is in the operating room

• PathNet at Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt -- A new laboratory system that now links DeWitt patients to the system-wide electronic medical recordkeeping system

• PACS expansion -- Digital mammography images are now available throughout Genesis Health System's picture archiving and communications system

• PowerPlans – A plan of care that integrates the patient's specific goals, interventions, and outcomes based on illness and condition.  Currently being used by the dieticians for the nutritional care process.

Frieden said Genesis is already considering new technologies and the expanded use of existing technologies for the future.

"I don't think you have ever completed the task when it comes to considering technology that is available to improve patient care and safety,'' he said.

Genesis Health System is one of 56 health care organizations on the list of 100 Most Wired that have made the list at least four times.

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