Batesville, Ark. – White River Health System recently implemented an electronic medical record (EMR) system - a comprehensive history of all medical care provided to a patient at any WRHS facility. Currently, less than 10 percent of hospitals in the country have fully implemented an EMR system.
The EMR is the centerpiece of a single source electronic data management system that includes all of the organization's financial and clinical information and is designed to improve the overall delivery of patient care by increasing efficiency and improving patient safety across the hospital. The EMR is a part of the WRHS's strategic commitment to quality healthcare for the residents of North Central Arkansas.
WRHS is partnering with Medical Information Technology, Inc. (Meditech) and is one of the first healthcare organizations in United States using Meditech's 6.0 healthcare information system. WRHS is implementing the system in its hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics and physician offices.
"Our organization is at the forefront of information technology with the implementation of the EMR," said Frank Hilbert, Chief Information Officer. "Utilizing this technology creates a more efficient process allowing our staff to spend more time at the patient's bedside."
Physicians can immediately see the latest test results, medical histories, notes, and medications and nurses are able to monitor patients' progress and manage interventions through a clear, well-organized Status Board which alerts them to allergies and any other potentially harmful conditions. With a comprehensive EMR and real time access to information, duplication of tests and procedures and unnecessary treatment delays can be avoided enabling physicians and hospitals to safely shorten a patient's hospital stay.
"The EMR has many features that have the ability to positively impact patient care," said Dr. Tom Cummins, WRMC Chief Medical Officer. "Today's physicians and healthcare professionals are trained using electronic medical records. Implementing this technology demonstrates our commitment to state-of-the-art medicine to the professionals we are recruiting."
WRMC is a 199-bed regional referral center and the flagship facility of White River Health System (WRHS), a not-for-profit healthcare system serving residents throughout North Central Arkansas. The system includes hospitals, outpatient facilities, rural health clinics, primary care and specialty physician offices, and a medical equipment company. White River Health System is a member of the Premier Alliance, the American Hospital Association, and the Arkansas Hospital Association and is licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Additional Information
Meditech, based in Massachusetts, has more than 2,200 customers including hospitals, clinics, physician practices, home health agencies and behavioral health facilities. With 40 years of healthcare experience, Meditech provides integrated software solutions to meet the information needs of healthcare organizations worldwide.
Posted: January, 07 2010