UF Health ranked among “Most Wired”

In our perpetually evolving digital age, hospitals are using information technology, or IT, to simplify processes and ensure efficiency. UF Health was recently named a national health care leader in technology advancements that improve patient safety and quality of care.

UF Health was rated one of HealthCare’s Most Wired in an annual survey and benchmarking study for the third consecutive year. The survey is published by Hospitals & Health Networks, an American Hospital Association publication. This year more than 741 participants, representing more than 39 percent of all U.S. hospitals, completed the survey.

The survey measures technological development, adoption and implementation across four key areas: infrastructure, business and administrative management, quality and safety, and clinical integration. To earn the designation, organizations must demonstrate core advancement in all areas.

“This award is a measure of how much our IT staff has accomplished,” said Kari Cassel, UF Health chief information officer and senior vice president. “It’s a reflection of how well the team has implemented systems and worked with each other and our customers.”

The survey evaluates the level of IT system sophistication and how effectively programs are embraced by staff and patients within the nation’s hospitals and health systems. It specifically gauges how care is enhanced and electronic business transactions are improved, as well as how easily patients and physicians can access electronic health records remotely.

There were 338 health systems named “Most Wired” — down 10 percent from last year due to additional requirements. UF Health was one of 17 in Florida to receive the designation.

“The title is an honor that clearly ranks UF Health among the highest performing technical health care organizations,” Cassel said. “Our teams are making it possible to enable clinical and business processes to work increasingly better throughout our entire system.”

The survey was conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15. Results were released in July.