Cleveland Clinic wins digital records kudos
By Olive Carterton
Digitalisation innovation at the Cleveland Clinic London has enabled it to become the first UK private hospital to win recognition from an organisation committed to encouraging better use of technology.
It takes its place alongside seven NHS hospitals who have achieved Stage 6 accreditation of the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM).
This eight-stage framework assesses and measures the level of digital maturity and sophistication of healthcare organisations’ electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
The scheme is run by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), a global adviser, thought leader and member-based society.
HIMSS digital strategist John Rayner paid tribute to the hospital for its ‘remarkable journey towards a near-paperless, patient-centric healthcare environment’ in only 18 months since its opening.
He said: ‘They are the first hospital in the UK to achieve unit-dose dispensing and administration of pharmaceuticals.
‘Their visionary leadership, cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to excellence are shaping the future of healthcare.’
Dr Rob Lorenz
Cleveland Clinic London president Dr Rob Lorenz said: ‘This is a fantastic demonstration of what we can achieve when we demonstrate our values of teamwork and innovation.’
Hospital spokesman Raihaan Mughal called the hospital ‘one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the UK’.
To reach Stage 6 standards, the hospital demonstrated a significant level of digitalisation and integration of EMR into operations.
This led to improved patient care, efficiency, data utilisation and other benefits contributing to the overall quality of services.
Its review noted that leaders were visible and impactful, the culture was strongly committed to improving quality of care and patient safety; and caregivers took ownership and were proud of achievements.
HIMSS praised the hospital’s pharmacy department as being one of the most forward-thinking in the UK.
It was the first private hospital to use a pharmacy barcoding/closed loop medication administration, and a unit-dose pharmacy robot that individually wraps and tracks medication by barcode to the patient’s bedside.
The EMRAM achievement comes with many benefits:
Improved patient care and safety: Hospitals at EMRAM Stage 6 have advanced clinical decision support systems, electronic medication administration records and electronic order sets. This can lead to better-informed medical decisions, reduced medication errors and improved patient outcomes.
Enhanced efficiency: Hospitals operating at this stage have streamlined workflows and reduced reliance on paper-based processes. This can result in faster access to patient information, reduced administrative burdens and improved operational efficiency.
Data availability and analysis: EMRAM Stage 6 hospitals have robust data repositories, making it easier to access and analyse patient data for quality improvement initiatives, research and strategic decision-making.
Interoperability: These hospitals have achieved a high level of data-sharing and exchange among different healthcare systems and providers, leading to better care co-ordination and smoother transitions of care for patients.
Patient engagement: With advanced EMR systems, hospitals can provide patients with online access to their medical records, lab results and other health information, promoting patient engagement and empowerment.
Regulatory compliance: Many healthcare regulations and standards are tied to the use of electronic medical records. Hospitals at EMRAM Stage 6 are likely to be better positioned to meet compliance requirements and data security standards.
Cost savings: While the initial investment in EMR implementation can be significant, hospitals that have reached EMRAM Stage 6 often realise cost savings over time due to streamlined processes, reduced paperwork and improved resource utilisation.
Clinical decision support: Advanced clinical decision support systems can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions by presenting relevant patient data, treatment guidelines and best practices at the point of care.
Preparation for future stages: Achieving EMRAM Stage 6 sets the groundwork for potentially reaching Stage 7, which involves full interoperability and utilisation of EMR data to improve population health.
Cleveland Clinic London’s Stage 6 accreditation for EMRAM will be valid for three years.