Adventist Health has been named one of the nation’s most wired health systems in a survey conducted by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine and announced today.

Most Wired organizations use information technology to better connect care providers and patients. They must meet a set of rigorous criteria across four operational categories, including infrastructure, business and administrative management, clinical quality and safety, and clinical integration (connecting inpatient and outpatient services, physicians and patients).

Using information technology reduces the likelihood of medical errors and allows clinicians and patients to have the information they need to promote health and make the most informed decisions about treatments, according to Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association, which helped conduct the survey.

“Enhancing information technology has long been one of Adventist Health’s key strategic priorities,” said Alan Soderblom, vice president and chief information officer at Adventist Health. “In addition to reducing medical errors, it improves patient care and engagement plus increases operational efficiencies. We’re pleased to be recognized as one of the best users of information technology to benefit patients.”

Adventist Health’s recent information technology advancements include achieving Stage 1 of Meaningful Use for electronic health records, standardizing medical staff IT solutions enterprise-wide, implementing telemedicine at several rural sites, and moving revenue cycle data to a single, standardized technology platform.

HealthCare’s Most Wired Survey, conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, asked hospitals and health systems nationwide to answer questions regarding their IT initiatives. Respondents completed 680 surveys, representing 1,900 hospitals, or more than 30 percent of all U.S. hospitals. More information about the survey can be found in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine at www.hhnmag.com or contact mostwired@healthforum.com.

Adventist Health is a faith-based, not-for-profit integrated health care delivery system serving communities in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Our workforce of 28,600 includes more than 20,500 employees; 4,500 medical staff physicians; and 3,600 volunteers. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist health values, Adventist Health provides compassionate care in 19 hospitals, more than 220 clinics (hospital-based, rural health and physician clinics), 14 home care agencies, seven hospice agencies and four joint-venture retirement centers. Visit AdventistHealth.org for more information.