Seven NH Hospitals Named to Most Wired List

Seven hospitals from New Hampshire were named to the 2015 "Most Wired" list compiled by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine on behalf of the American Hospital Association.

The seven hospitals being recognized are Concord Hospital in Concord, Elliot Health System in Manchester, Exeter Health Resources in Exeter, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, Littleton Regional Healthcare in Littleton, New London Hospital in New Londonand Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont.

"This recognition is further proof that hospitals in New Hampshire are embracing new technologies in their quest to deliver the finest in patient care," said Steve Ahnen, president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association. "The fact that we're seeing this level of recognition in both our larger urban hospitals and our rural critical access hospitals demonstrates the vitality and forward-thinking that is keeping New Hampshire hospitals on the cutting edge of health care."
 
This is the 17th year the magazine has conducted its "Most Wired" survey. In its current issue, reporter Matthew Weinstock noted that "Organizations on the 2015 Most Wired list are extending the use of IT systems outside the hospital’s four walls, including connecting directly with patients. In fact, improvement in patient engagement — in its many forms — stands out in this year’s survey. More than two-thirds of the Most Wired extends the care environment to the patient and family via the Internet, providing education about his or her condition and allowing for e-visits with the care team, among other things. This dovetails nicely with efforts to improve population health.”

Among some of the key findings this year:
• 95 percent of 'Most Wired' hospitals have standing, evidenced-based electronic order sets built into their physician order entry systems.
• More than two-thirds of the ‘Most Wired’ hospitals extend the care environment to the patient and family via the Internet, providing education about his or her condition and allowing for e-visits with the care team, among other things.
• Among ‘Most Wired’ hospitals, 89 percent allow patients to access the portal via a mobile app, up from just 58 percent last year.

Health Care's 'Most Wired' Survey asked hospitals and health systems nationwide to answer questions regarding their IT initiatives. Respondents completed 741 surveys, representing 2,213 hospitals – more than 39 percent of all U.S. hospitals. There are 338 hospitals and health systems designated as ‘Most Wired’ organizations.

The July 2015 H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com.