Avera Named 2009 Most Wired and Most Wireless Health System

Avera Health is once again on both the "100 Most Wired" and 25 "Most Wireless" lists published by Hospitals & Health Networks (H&HN), according to the results of the 2009 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released in the July 7 issue.

Eleven organizations are new to the list this year. Avera is the only health care organization in South Dakota to achieve either ranking. Avera is also the only health system in the nation to make both lists every year running since their inceptions ("100 Most Wired" in 1999 and 25 "Most Wireless" in 2004).

"The survey promotes the effective use of information technology in achieving clinical and operational excellence," notes Avera Senior Vice President of Information Systems Jim Veline. "Avera remains in front of the curve for implementation of technology, which is important as the health reform debate continues."

"It's clear that IT will play an even more important role in the health system of tomorrow," says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). "Most Wired hospitals help illustrate IT in action-improving efficiency, quality and safety of care while helping to control costs."

The "100 Most Wired" hospitals and health systems work hard at balancing the need to build on their IT successes and keeping a sharp eye on budgets. Marking its 11th year, the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study continues to lead the field in analysis and benchmarking of health care IT.

Some 1,314 hospitals are represented in the 556 completed surveys. Of the organizations completing the survey this year, 38 hospitals and health systems-6.8 percent of the sample-have effectively deployed information technology at both ends of the medication administration process. This compares with 23 hospitals and health systems in 2008, or 4.1 percent of the sample.

The Most Wired Survey is conducted annually by H&HN magazine, the journal of the AHA, which uses the results to name the "100 Most Wired" hospitals and health systems.

H&HN conducted the 2009 survey in cooperation with McKesson Corp. and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. The July H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com.