Texas Children's Hospital named 2014 Most Wired by flagship publication of the American Hospital Association

HOUSTON - July 29, 2014 - Texas Children's Hospital is excited to announce that for the second year in a row the hospital has received the "Most Wired" designation for outstanding health care-based technology from Hospitals Health Network Magazine - the flagship publication of the American Hospital Association.

Health Care's Most Wired Survey, conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, asked hospitals and health systems nationwide to answer questions regarding their information technology (IT) initiatives. Respondents completed 680 surveys, representing 1,900 hospitals, or more than 30 percent of all U.S. hospitals.

"Earning Most Wired designation for two consecutive years is a tribute to the hard work of our Information Services team and the many partners we have at Texas Children's," said Myra Davis, senior vice president of Information Services. "It also reflects the foresight of the administration to recognize the role innovative technology can play in supporting world-class patient care."

As the nation's health care system transitions to more integrated and patient-centered care, hospitals are utilizing information technology to better connect disparate care providers, according to the 16^thannual Health Care's Most Wired Survey, conducted by Hospitals Health Networks.

For instance, 67 percent of Most Wired hospitals share critical patient information electronically with specialists and other care providers. Most Wired hospitals, those that meet a set of rigorous criteria across four operational categories, have made tremendous gains by using IT to reduce the likelihood of medical errors. Among Most Wired hospitals, 81 percent of medications are matched to the patient, nurse and order via bar code technology at the bedside.

"Hospital leaders should be commended for the hard work they've done under an unrealistic time frame," states Russell P. Branzell, president and CEO of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, referring to federal requirements that health care providers adopt and meaningfully use a certified electronic health records. "Still, there is a substantial amount of work ahead.Effective C-suites view IT adoption as a collaborative effort. They have a clear strategic plan and know how IT fits into that."

To that end, nearly all participants in the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study have an established health IT project governance process and evaluate existing workflow processes and desired outcomes. Texas Children's continues to increase the use of data analytics and decision support to ensure providers deliver the right care at the right time for the right populations of children and women. The evolving world of applying data analytics through quality improvement is helping the hospital achieve the right outcomes - the ultimate realization of value-driven care.

The July HHN cover story detailing results is available at hhnmag.com.

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Center for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, a second community hospital planned to open in 2017. The organization also created the nation’s first HMO for children, has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.