Five University of Maryland Medical System hospitals have achieved Stage 6 on the EMR Adoption Model, or EMRAM, as designated by HIMSS Analytics.
The health system is headquartered in Baltimore, and the five hospitals recognized with achieving Stage 6 include the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC Midtown Campus, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute, and UM St. Joseph Medical Center.
HIMSS Analytics developed the EMR Adoption Model (EMRAM) in 2005 as a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems for hospitals in HIMSS Analytics Logic. There are eight stages (0-7) that measure a hospital’s implementation and utilization of information technology applications. The final stage, Stage 7, represents an advanced patient record environment. The validation process to confirm a hospital has reached Stage 7 includes a site visit by an executive from HIMSS Analytics and former or current CIOs and CMIOs to ensure an unbiased evaluation of the Stage 7 environments.
As of the second quarter of 2016, 29.8 percent of the more than 5,400 U.S. hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics Logic have received the Stage 6 Award, and only 4.5 percent have received the Stage 7 award.
According to press release from UMMS, the Stage 6 recognition by HIMSS is due to the implementation of an upgraded Portfolio throughout the University of Maryland Medical System, creating a universal electronic health record for patients seen at any UMMS facility. “Using Portfolio enhances clinical decision making and collaboration by providing clinicians with timely, comprehensive, medical information that is secure, standardized, and easily shared among providers. By implementing Portfolio, UMMS cultivates the increased use of common workflows, order sets and best practices, thereby reducing risks associated with the variation in care,” the UMMS press release stated.
“The adoption and implementation of Portfolio across UMMS represents a significant achievement, and reflects tireless teamwork and dedication to benefit our patients, our operational efficiency and our bottom line,” Jon Burns, senior vice president and chief information officer for UMMS, said in a statement. “I am so grateful for the engagement of our physicians, nurses, and every employee’s commitment to optimize utilization of Portfolio. I look forward to continued work together toward further improvements that will make a meaningful difference to improving outcomes for our patients.”
“HIMSS Analytics congratulates the University of Maryland Medical System for making significant progress towards achieving advanced health IT adoption,” John H. Daniels, global vice president, HIMSS Analytics, said in a prepared statement. “Stage 6 represents a level of sophistication that can lead to innovative healthcare transformation.”
