In the July issue of Hospitals and Health Networks Magazine (H&HN), Deaconess was the only regional hospital recognized as one of 2017’s “Most Wired.” This recognition is the result of the 19th Annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey, conducted by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum between January 15 and March 15, 2017.
 
According to the AHA, Most Wired hospitals are using technology to partner with patients to become more actively involved in their care and maintaining their health. In 2017, Most Wired hospitals are using the following tools to improve communication, safety, and patient-provider relationships - smart phones, telehealth, and remote monitoring.
 
Deaconess leads the way in our region in these same categories by offering the following:
 

• Continued use of MyChart and the MyChart app so patients can read test results, request appointments and medication refills, and receive reminders for appointments.
• Telehealth – mental health assessments conducted via video in Deaconess Emergency Rooms and Intensive Care Units as well as telestroke services to help rural hospitals provide stroke assessment quickly.
• Remote monitoring – Patients can see a physician for certain conditions through a video visit. Deaconess Clinic Live allows people to schedule a virtual appointment then communicate directly with a health care provider through a cell phone, tablet, or computer. This service is for non-emergency care.

 
The 2017 Most Wired® survey and benchmarking study is a leading industry barometer measuring information technology (IT) use and adoption among hospitals nationwide. The survey of 698 participants, representing an estimated 2,158 hospitals—more than 39 percent of all hospitals in the U.S.—examines how organizations are leveraging IT to improve performance for value-based health care in the areas of infrastructure, business and administrative management; quality and safety; and clinical integration.
 
Detailed results of the survey and study can be found in the July issue of H&HN. For a full list of winners, visit www.hhnmag.com.