"Most Wired" Hospitals in CT Use Techology to Benefit Patients

Six Connecticut hospitals have been designated as among the nation's "Most Wired" medical centers for leveraging the adoption and use of health information technology to improve performance in a number of key areas, according to Health Care's Most Wired 2012 Survey, which is the cover story in the July issue of Hospitals and Health Networks magazine.  The survey gauges how organizations are planning for, utilizing and securing information technology. According to the survey the "Most Wired" hospitals are focused on expanding and utilizing information technology that protects patient data, and optimizes patient flow and communications. All of the hospitals on the list, for example, check drug interactions and drug allergies when medications are ordered as a major step in reducing medication errors. Virtually all (93%) employ intrusion detection systems to protect patient privacy and security of patient data.

Hartford Hospital made the annual list for the sixth consecutive year.  Connecticut hospitals among the Most Wired also include: Middlesex Health System, MidState Medical Center, St. Francis Care, William W. Backus Hospital, and the Yale New Haven Health System.

A record number of hospitals — more than 200 — earned Most Wired status in the 14th annual survey.  Among the other tidbits in the survey:  Wondering which social media sites the Most Wired are using?  The survey found that 94% are on Facebook, and 80% use Twitter and You Tube.