The Silent Majority

Nursing executives, managers, and nursing informaticists are becoming increasingly more critical to the success of clinical implementations. Smart CIOs have always understood this, and in our cover story, “Nursing First,” (page 48), we take a look at how some CIOs are partnering with nurse executives for IT implementation success. What does it take to cultivate strategic partnerships with nurse executives and managers? We talk to CIOs, some of them former nurses themselves, to find out best practices in the nursing-CIO relationship. And we take a look at the growing importance of the CNIO title.

For hospital executives, crafting a wireless strategy involves much more than ensuring sufficient access points are installed. In “A Better Connection,” (page 39), we look at how some CIOs are leveraging wireless technologies to drive clinical outcomes and improve patient satisfaction. We also examine what factors are key in shaping a hospital's wireless philosophy, and how that philosophy dictates what innovative technologies executives adopt and at what point.

CIOs are facing a slew of new government mandates, such as ICD-10 codes and mandatory CPOE in the state of Massachusetts. While it may be tempting to push those items to the back burner when it comes time to prepare a strategic plan, savvy CIOs are preparing now. In “Getting Up to Code,” (page 26), see what experts and CIOs say about leaving IT solutions that address mandates up to the vendor, and why that may not be such a good strategy after all. Find out the best way to guarantee you are not left behind.