Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH) in Linkou District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, has reached an extraordinary milestone by securing two significant digital maturity validations from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Specifically, CGMH was revalidated for Stage 7 of the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) and newly validated for Stage 6 of the HIMSS Infrastructure Adoption Model (INFRAM). HIMSS, an international organization dedicated to improving healthcare through the effective use of information technology, uses these models to measure digital maturity. By achieving these high validation levels, CGMH signifies its advanced integration of digital technologies within the healthcare setting, clearly demonstrating a commitment to both operational excellence and patient safety.
Advanced EMR Capabilities Highlighted in EMRAM Stage 7 Validation
CGMH’s revalidation for the Stage 7 EMRAM certification underscores the hospital’s advanced electronic medical record (EMR) capabilities, setting it among the leading healthcare institutions worldwide. EMRAM is a certification model by HIMSS that measures the adoption and maturity of an organization’s EMR systems. Stage 7 is the highest level achievable and represents a comprehensive, cutting-edge integration of digital technologies in a healthcare setting. This revalidation points to CGMH’s sophisticated handling of medical records and its robust use of technology to enhance healthcare delivery.
One feature spotlighted during the EMRAM Stage 7 revalidation is CGMH’s electronic medication administration record system. This innovative system has been lauded for its precision in guiding nurses through the correct order of drug administration, thus significantly boosting patient quality and safety outcomes. According to Andrew Pearce, VP of Analytics and Global Advisory Lead at HIMSS, this system showcases an impressive understanding of clinical workflows and pathways, which is crucial for maximizing patient care efficacy.
In addition to technological capabilities, CGMH’s senior leadership was recognized for their deep involvement in creating and maintaining hospital policies and for their robust governance practices. The evaluation committee noted the effective communication channels and strong integration of clinical practices, which together showcase the hospital’s holistic approach to leveraging digital tools for continuous healthcare quality improvement. Such a balanced strategy ensures that both technological adoption and clinical effectiveness go hand-in-hand, creating a more efficient and safer environment for patients.
Robust IT Infrastructure Garnering INFRAM Stage 6 Certification
The recent INFRAM Stage 6 validation marks another significant accomplishment for CGMH in its ongoing journey toward digital maturity. INFRAM evaluates an organization’s IT infrastructure across five critical areas: cybersecurity, adoption, sustainability, performance, and outcomes. Achieving Stage 6 indicates a high degree of maturity and operational excellence in IT infrastructure, setting CGMH apart as a leader in healthcare technology integration.
One of the key elements that contributed to CGMH earning this high-level validation is its strong governance in IT infrastructure. Clinicians at CGMH are actively involved in investment decisions, ensuring that the technological advancements are aligned with clinical needs and practices. This alignment helps bridge the gap between IT and healthcare, fostering a more integrated approach to patient care. Furthermore, the hospital regularly conducts procedural exercises, such as biannual security and downtime simulations, underscoring their commitment to maintaining a secure and resilient IT environment.
Another notable aspect recognized during the INFRAM Stage 6 validation is the hospital’s well-managed data center. Praised for its efficient cabling organization and innovative applications, including digital pathology and the smart customer service system, Chang Gung APO, these technological advancements illustrate how a well-organized IT infrastructure can significantly enhance operational efficiency and patient care. These innovative systems not only streamline hospital operations but also contribute to a more seamless and effective healthcare delivery process.
Continual Investment in Smart Healthcare Initiatives
With these assessments successfully completed, CGMH is now focused on advancing to Stage 7 INFRAM validation. Professor Cherng Wen-Jin, chairman of the Chang Gung Steering Committee, emphasized the hospital’s ongoing investments in various smart healthcare initiatives. These initiatives include AI big data analytics, IoT, telemedicine, and structured medical records. By continually investing in these areas, CGMH aims to create a human-centric and interoperable digital health environment that is both forward-thinking and efficient.
Importantly, CGMH prioritizes enhancing information security to safeguard patient privacy. This blend of adopting advanced technologies while maintaining rigorous security measures sets a high benchmark for healthcare information management globally. The hospital’s commitment to such dual fronts – cutting-edge technology and stringent security – places it at the forefront of healthcare innovation, thereby ensuring that patient care and data protection are given paramount importance.
Superintendent Dr. Chien-tzung Chen of CGMH highlighted the importance of continuous self-assessment and improvement in the context of these revalidations. He noted that regular assessments provide an invaluable opportunity to refine various facets of healthcare operations, including patient data security, EMR management, medical decision support systems, and patient-centered care models. This iterative process helps the hospital stay aligned with international standards and advancements, ensuring that healthcare services continue to evolve in quality and efficiency.
Strategic Governance and Collaborative Efforts
The recent INFRAM Stage 6 validation signifies a major milestone for CGMH in its pursuit of digital maturity. INFRAM assesses an organization’s IT infrastructure in five key areas: cybersecurity, adoption, sustainability, performance, and outcomes. Reaching Stage 6 reflects a high level of maturity and operational excellence, establishing CGMH as a leader in healthcare technology integration.
A significant factor in CGMH’s achievement is its robust IT governance. Clinicians are actively engaged in IT investment decisions, ensuring that technological advancements meet clinical needs. This collaboration bridges the gap between IT and healthcare, promoting an integrated approach to patient care. The hospital also conducts regular procedural exercises, such as biannual security and downtime simulations, highlighting their commitment to a secure and resilient IT environment.
The INFRAM Stage 6 validation also praised CGMH’s well-managed data center. The data center features efficient cabling organization and innovative applications, including digital pathology and the smart customer service system, Chang Gung APO. These advancements demonstrate how a well-organized IT setup can enhance operational efficiency and patient care. These technologies streamline hospital operations and contribute to a more effective healthcare delivery process.
Ultimately, the INFRAM Stage 6 validation showcases CGMH’s commitment to digital excellence and underscores its role as a pioneer in healthcare technology, setting a standard for others to follow.
