Cincinnati Children’s was recently recognized with Stage 7 revalidation on the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM), due, in large part, to the innovative use of information technology by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s pediatric kidney transplant program.
HIMSS Analytics, the presenter of the Stage 7 recognition, introduced the revalidation process in 2015 to ensure that its EMR Adoption Model “continues to reflect industry best practices so that Stage 7 organizations reflect the optimal use and sharing of patient data toward improved healthcare quality, safety, and operational efficiencies.”
The Kidney Transplant team at Cincinnati Children’s has found innovative ways to use information technology to improve patients’ adherence to medications, a significant challenge for children with transplanted kidneys, according to HIMSS Analytics. The kidney transplant adherence program is part of the rich IT environment at Cincinnati Children’s.
The team uses a pre-visit planning reporting tool that integrates data from multiple sources, including the EHR. It includes risk scoring, “smart” pillbox data which is created when a patient opens an electronic pillbox, and patient adherence questionnaires. With this information, the transplant team works with each patient to strategize and overcome adherence barriers.
According to HIMSS Analytics, the results have been promising:
10,720 patient days between transplant rejections (previous best was 7,830 days)
Fewer transplant rejections
Estimated savings of $680,000 in hospital charges
“Children’s provided one of the most touching and impressive case studies related to pediatric kidney transplant patients. They use their EHR to not only ensure the accuracy of care, but also, to outreach to the children and the family to ensure their patients follow the protocols,” Philip Bradley, regional director, HIMSS Analytics, healthcare advisory services, operations, said in a prepared statement.
Through leveraging the data in the EHR and tying it to care delivery, Cincinnati Children’s is both improving health outcomes for their patients and reducing the overall cost of care.
"We're proud to be among the U.S. hospitals that have been recognized for developing and managing a top-notch electronic medical records system. The HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 validation affirms our continued passion for excellence,” Michael A. Fisher, president and CEO, Cincinnati Children’s, said in a statement. “I’m grateful to our entire team who contributes to this effort every day, and excited about what their efforts mean to patient safety, quality care, research, and ultimately, the health of the children and families we serve.”
Cincinnati Children’s will be recognized at the 2017 HIMSS Conference & Exhibition on Feb. 19-23, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
