SPRINGFIELD - Crozer-Keystone Health System (CKHS) was again named one of the top 100 “Most Wired” health systems in the nation by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, the journal of the American Hospital Association.
Each year, Hospitals & Health Networks conducts a survey asking health systems to report on how they use information technology to address five key areas: safety and quality, customer service, business processes, workforce and public health and safety. A total of 556 hospitals and health systems completed the survey this year, representing 1,327 hospitals.
Crozer-Keystone has now earned the “Most Wired” distinction eight times. Only 23 other health systems have been honored as many times by the magazine.
“We’re proud that Crozer-Keystone Health System was again recognized nationally for our leadership in the use of information technology. Congratulations to everyone within the health system whose ingenuity and hard work made this honor possible,” says Joan Richards, president and chief executive officer of Crozer-Keystone Health System.
Crozer-Keystone was recognized for continuing to integrate new technologies to enhance the health system’s operations in many ways, particularly initiatives related to patient care and patient safety.
Physician Office Electronic Medical Record
The health system continued to expand and refine its electronic medical record (EMR) system. Crozer-Keystone’s EMR allows physicians to easily track patient histories, progress notes and test results as well as access drug databases, complete prescriptions and much more. The EMR has helped physician offices in their efforts to improve documentation, increase efficiency and focus on patient safety.
“More than 100 Crozer-Keystone Health Network physicians are now using our EMR, and the system now contains more than 100,000 patients. In addition, we are developing an EMR that can be used by community physicians as well as linking with the existing EMR systems of non-CKHN physicians,” says Don Reed, vice president of Information Services (IS) for Crozer-Keystone.
Emergency Department Information System
Crozer-Keystone also completed system-wide integration of its Emergency Department Information System (EDIS). Through the EDIS, it is now easier for physicians and staff to retrieve patient information in the ED. The application allows for electronic patient tracking, triage, real-time documentation for physician and nursing staff, physician order entry and results, discharge instructions and prescription writing.
“The system has a number of features dedicated to patient safety, such as clinical decision support tools. For instance, our ED physicians electronically enter medication orders and the system will flag critical drug interactions or check to make sure the correct dose is ordered.” Reed says.
Bed & Patient Tracking
New information technologies are also improving the flow of patients throughout the health system, allowing departments to perform more efficiently. A new bed & patient tracking system was developed by CKHS and is being implemented throughout Crozer-Keystone hospitals. The system instantly lets users know when beds are clean, when patients are being transported to rooms, infection control indicators and more.
Connecting with Patients
Several of Crozer-Keystone’s information technology initiatives are directed at providing patients with greater access to health system services.
“We are certainly making strides in connecting with our patients electronically. More and more, people want to be able to pay bills, schedule appointments, and communicate with their caregiver online. CKHS is responding to those expectations,” Reed says.
For instance, patients can now request physician and appointments online for several areas, including cancer care, cardiac care, musculoskeletal care, medical imaging and sleep medicine.
Patient billing became more efficient earlier this year with the introduction of eStatements and ePayments. These web-based online services allow patients to view and pay their bills online through a secure site.
In the future, patients will have the ability to access a web portal that will allow them to refill their prescriptions, track their medications and send messages to their physicians.
Reed adds, “I am certainly proud of the IS team, their hard work, accomplishments and success in achieving our goals. In addition, achieving the ‘Most Wired’ designation is a testament to the work and dedication of numerous people in many departments throughout CKHS. We’re fortunate to have so many forward-thinking physicians, nurses, and support staff who recognize the value of information and want to use and implement the latest technologies to help improve patient care.”
With more than 1,100 physicians and 7,100 employees, Crozer-Keystone Health System is the largest health system and employer in Delaware County. The health System comprises a comprehensive physician network of primary-care and specialty practices as well as five hospitals: Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill, Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Springfield Hospital in Springfield and Community Hospital in Chester. For more information, visit www.crozer.org.