NMC was recently named one of the 2016 “Most Wired” Hospitals, using technology to improve the efficiency of care delivery and create a new dynamic in patient interactions. Most Wired hospitals are redefining the way they provide care in their communities, using technology to build patient engagement with the individual’s lifestyle in mind, which includes electronic access to their care team.

These innovations are shown by the results of the annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey, released by the American Hospital Association’s Health Forum.

NMC’s Vice President of Information System Joel Benware said that while the award is wonderful recognition, it is by no means the end of NMC’s efforts.

“This is recognition of our strategic planning efforts and that we are headed in the right direction,” said Benware. “Health Information Technology is a constant evolution of connecting patients with their healthcare so that each can make informed choices about their own personal wellness.”

Most Wired hospitals use population health management tools and partner with other health care providers to share critical clinical information used in analyzing interventions aimed at key patient groups, such as those with chronic conditions.

To ensure patients receive the most appropriate and timely care, NMC is using predictive modeling to eliminate preventable problems. In 2016, NMC created a new Information Systems division dedicated to data analytics. This division helps identify causes or trends of readmission to help patients recover at home without the risks of complications. NMC continues to maintain impressively low infection rates through continued review and analysis of trends and risks.

Data analytics help NMC provide exceptional care, and let physicians monitor their performance. By putting key information in the hands of providers, they can see what they are doing well and where they can improve.

“More frequently, providers are seeking data regarding individual performance for clinical and quality outcomes,” said Dr. Lowry Sullivan, OBGYN provider and Chief Medical Officer. “Individual provider dashboards will motivate the medical staff to strive for excellence and the dashboards will validate positive progress. We look forward to making these tools a standard part of our clinical and quality improvement efforts.”

As they build out new capabilities, hospitals are also taking strong actions to ensure health data is secure.

“Every year NMC invites 3rd party auditors to evaluate our network security and compliance plans and policies. These audits ensure NMC continuously improves our ability to keep patient information safe and secure,” said Dennis Boucher, Manager of Information Systems Operations. One of NMC’s major initiatives in 2016 was modernization of its Nurse Call system.

“We replaced our antiquated phone based system with a computerized system that will become fully integrated with our phone system, and Electronic Health Record (EHR),” said Boucher. “Once fully implemented, the new system provide for improved reporting and patient room status, including visual cues for patients at risk for falls, or with special dietary needs, improving patient safety and the efficiency with which staff can respond to a patient’s needs.”

Another example is the way that NMC patient portals have become an integral part of the patient care experience. Through the portal, patients become personally engaged in their care. They are able to review labs results, and communicate with providers about their progress towards healthcare goals. Benware also said that NMC is fostering a culture of integrated technology.

“We don’t see technology as a separate tool; rather as an integrated component of the culture of our clinical and business services,” he said. “Continuous efforts are underway to remove manual processes, reduce paper and turn complex steps into more streamlined workflows.”

To learn more about NMC’s Patient Portal call NMC’s Health Information Department at (802) 524-1060.