Integrating patient data into the EHR.

Automating the collection of data from patient-monitoring devices at the bedside and integrating it into the electronic health record will cost less than manual data entry and reduce transcription errors. Nearly all Most Wired facilities have a system in place for automatic updates of blood glucose compared with less than three-quarters of all surveyed hospitals. More Most Wired hospitals link electrocardiogram, blood pressure and pulse oximetry readings directly.

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To speed up collaboration with physicians on an integrated inpatient and outpatient medical record, almost 90 percent of Most Wired organizations report subsidizing physician-office EHRs. Even with hospital support, Most Wired hospitals report a much higher percentage of employed physician practices with electronic clinical documentation, CPOE and decision support implemented; independent physician practices lag in EHR implementation by about 40 percent.

Each month, H&HN will provide continuing coverage of the annual Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study and other IT issues. The survey is mode possible through o partnership among H&HN, the American Hospital Association and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, McKesson Corp. and HIT Exchange. AT&T and CareTech Solutions provide additional support.

Patient monitoring results sent directly to patient's EHR

                        * 2011 All     * 2011 Most Wired

Blood glucose               71%                 88%
ECG                         61%                 80%
Bedside blood pressure      48%                 71%
Bedside pulse oximetry      48%                 70%
Bedside lab tests           47%                 65%

Source: Hospitals & Health Networks' Most Wired Survey, 2011

Note: Table made from the bar graph.

Differences in physician office EHRs in Most Wired organizations

Percentage of physician practices in which the following
physician-office EHR functionalities are implemented (weighted
average):

                                      Employed      Independent
                                      physician      physician
                                      practices      practices

Electronic clinical documentation       74%             43%
Results viewing                         80%             57%
CPOE                                    71%             41%
Decision support                        73%             41%

Source: Hospitals & Health Networks' Most Wired Survey, 2011

Note: Table made from the bar graph.