Bayhealth Recognized for Using Technology to Improve Patient Care

Bayhealth is pleased to announce it was recently recognized by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) for its use of technology when serving and supporting staff and in caring for patients and the community.

CHIME Most Wired Level 9

Bayhealth earned 2021 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified level 9 for both inpatient hospital settings (acute) and outpatient ones (ambulatory). The CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to evaluate how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities.

The survey assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages, from early development to industry leading. Each participating organization received scores for individual levels in eight areas: infrastructure, security, business/disaster recovery, administrative/supply chain, analytics/data management, interoperability/population health, patient engagement, and clinical quality/safety. Participants also received certification based on their overall performance, with level 10 being the highest.

“The CHIME Most Wired level 9 recognition is not necessarily a technical achievement, but rather a testament to the organization’s adoption of technology to better serve our patients and our community,” said Bayhealth Director of Information Security and Support Services Ron Belfont, CISSP, ITIL, CPM. “Technology for the sake of technology alone is pointless. However, when technology is used to enable improved patient outcomes, there is tremendous value in that for everyone from our patients and families to our physicians and clinical staff and, ultimately, our entire community. Applying technology in a strategic manner to support the organization’s mission is really what the CHIME Most Wired level 9 is all about.”

“Digital transformation in healthcare has accelerated to an unprecedented level since 2020, and the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that empowers healthcare consumers and will astound the industry,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program recognizes the outstanding digital leaders who have paved the way for this imminent revolution in healthcare. Their trailblazing commitment to rapid transformation has set an example for the entire industry in how to pursue a leadership vision with determination, brilliant planning and courage to overcome all challenges.”

HIMSS Stage 7

Bayhealth was also awarded HIMSS Analytics stage 7 validation for both its inpatient and outpatient settings. The HIMSS model ranks from stage 0 to stage 7. Higher rankings indicate a greater rate of adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs).

“I’m so proud to be working for Bayhealth, which is now part of the top seven percent of hospitals in the U.S. that have achieved HIMSS stage 7, along with our Outpatient Services, who are in the top ten percent,” said Bayhealth Application Analyst III Diane Beckworth. “HIMSS stage 7 is a global symbol of an organization’s dedication to digital transformation and formation. By following this approach, we continue to use the most current technology to treat our patients and strengthen the health of our community.”

Beckworth added how it takes the work of more than one team or department to earn the HIMSS stage 7 award. “It takes all of Bayhealth working together as an organization, and I’m so thankful for the dedication and support of everyone and the work that went into this organizational achievement,” she said.

According to HIMSS, as a stage 7 organization, Bayhealth is helping to lead the way to better health and wellness for all by redefining evidence-based best practices so others can learn and adapt to improve population health and patient outcomes.

“I’m pleased that Bayhealth has once again been recognized for being a leader in healthcare technology,” said Bayhealth Vice President and Chief Information Officer Richard Mohnk, MSA, MT(ASCP). “The acute awards demonstrate how our Kent and Sussex Campuses are leading and using digital technology within the hospital setting. And the ambulatory recognition shows how our Bayhealth Medical Group practices and Outpatient Services such as our Wellness Centers, Laboratory, Diagnostic Imaging, Cancer Center, and all of the others are doing the same in caring for our communities.”

Bayhealth Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer Jonathan Kaufmann, DO, is also proud of the organization’s accomplishment. “The CHIME Most Wired level 9 and HIMSS stage 7 recognitions exemplify our ongoing commitment to implementing new and innovative technology throughout the organization to best serve and support our staff while providing the safest, highest quality care to everyone in our community.”