8 Georgia hospitals, hospital systems named most ‘wired’ in the nation

Significant investments in technology have helped advance health care when it comes to improving efficiency, safety, quality and more.

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And according to Hospitals and Health Networks 19th annual "Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems" survey,  eight Georgia hospitals or health systems (including four in metro Atlanta) rely heavily on digital innovation "to improve population health, capitalize on data analytics, boost patient engagement and introduce new efficiencies."

Researchers examined organizations’ progress in adoption, implementation and use of information technology across four major areas: infrastructure; business and administrative management; clinical quality and safety; and clinical integration.

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The number of hospitals and systems recognized as the “Most Wired” was based on having a “Core Level (2)” development rating across the four focus areas.

Organizations that achieved advanced levels in all four focus areas were awarded the “Most Wired Advanced” recognition, an award given to one Georgia hospital system.

The survey, conducted with the help of the American Hospital Association and health care experts, showed 82 percent of the nation’s hospitals and hospital systems use technological analysis tools to help improve quality and reduce costs, both clinically and administratively.

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More than 70 percent, according to the survey, also train staff (physicians and nurses) in data analytics tools to improve efficiency.

In the list of more than 300 hospitals and hospital systems, Atlanta's Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Grady Memorial Hospital and the Piedmont Healthcare System (seven hospitals) all made the list.

Marietta's WellStar Health System, which consists of 10 hospitals, was also recognized among the country's "most wired," according to H&HN's searchable database.

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Other Georgia hospitals or hospital systems recognized include Navicent Health in Macon, Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Union General Hospital, Inc. in Blairsville and West Georgia Health in Lagrange.