In October 2020, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) reached an impressive milestone by achieving HIMSS Stage 7, the highest level in the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) as certified by HIMSS Analytics. This prestigious recognition signifies CUH’s advanced use of digital technology and data analytics in clinical practice, making it one of only seven European healthcare institutions to have earned this status. This historic achievement was virtually assessed on October 15-16, 2020, focusing on Addenbrooke’s and The Rosie hospitals’ advanced integration of their Epic electronic patient record system.
Advanced Integration and Clinical Applications
Digital Tools and Patient Safety
During the assessment, CUH showcased numerous clinical applications that underscored their proficiency in utilizing digital tools to enhance patient care, including efficient medication administration, sophisticated specimen collection processes, meticulous administration of communally stored human milk, and secure blood transfusion procedures. Each of these technologies plays a crucial role in maintaining patient safety and improving clinical efficiency, cornerstones in achieving EMRAM Stage 7. Inspectors were particularly impressed with how these various applications integrate seamlessly to create a cohesive and responsive healthcare system.
The implementation of these digital tools ensures that patient data is accurately recorded and easily accessible, thus enhancing clinical decision-making and reducing the likelihood of human error. For instance, real-time data on medication administration can help healthcare professionals monitor patient reactions closely and make necessary adjustments promptly. Similarly, the secure and efficient handling of blood transfusions reduces risks and enhances patient outcomes. These technologies serve not only to streamline workflows but are also instrumental in fostering a culture of safety and efficiency throughout the hospital.
CUH Leadership and Vision
Dr. Afzal Chaudhry, Consultant Nephrologist and Director of Digital at CUH, expressed immense pride in this accolade, emphasizing that this achievement reflects the daily efforts of clinicians to use advanced technologies to elevate patient care. According to Dr. Afzal, the recognition is not merely an endpoint but a testament to CUH’s ongoing commitment to digital advancement and excellence in healthcare delivery. Meanwhile, Dr. Ewen Cameron, the executive director of improvement and transformation at the Trust, highlighted that achieving Stage 7 is only the beginning of CUH’s journey. CUH is dedicated to continuous improvement by further leveraging digital technologies for optimal patient care, safety, and service effectiveness.
This visionary leadership underscores a broader strategy not just to maintain the status quo, but to push the envelope in terms of what is possible with digital healthcare technologies. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation and adaptability, CUH aims to continually enhance healthcare services, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care possible. The vision extends beyond immediate accolades to building a sustainable framework for future advancements in digital health.
The Broader Impact and Future Prospects
Benchmarking Digital Practices
This milestone at CUH is part of a more comprehensive movement among healthcare institutions to benchmark and refine their digital practices through the HIMSS adoption model, which ranges from stages 0 to 7. Achieving Stage 7 is no small feat; it requires years of strategic planning, investment in technology, and a commitment to continuous improvement. For instance, in September 2020, Great Ormond Street Hospital also reached the coveted Stage 7, highlighting a growing trend among leading hospitals to fully embrace digital transformation. These achievements are not isolated incidents but are indicative of a broader consensus on the critical role of sophisticated digital tools in modern healthcare.
Benchmarking digital practices allows institutions to measure their progress against global standards, thereby facilitating a culture of excellence and transparency. It also offers an opportunity for hospitals to learn from each other’s successes and challenges, creating a collaborative environment for technological advancement. As more institutions achieve HIMSS Stage 7, the collective knowledge and experience gained will drive further innovations, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare systems globally.
Commitment to Ongoing Innovation
Achieving HIMSS Stage 7 demonstrates CUH’s commitment to enhancing patient care through digital innovation. This level stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire CUH team, showcasing their ability to effectively utilize technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline clinical processes. Earning this certification reflects CUH’s forward-thinking approach and positions it as a leader in the adoption of advanced electronic medical records within Europe.
