By Anne Snowdon RN, PhD, FAAN, Chief Scientific Research Officer, HIMSS, and Dana Trampas, Digital Health Advisor, HIMSS
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the concept of digital maturity stands as a beacon of progress, promising to revolutionize patient safety, quality of care, and workforce sustainability. Collaborative efforts between the HIMSS OSR (Office of Scientific Research) and the Leapfrog Group have shed light on the transformative impact of digital maturity in US hospitals, creating the evidence to inform strategies to accelerate progress towards advanced digital health ecosystems.
Digital Maturity and Patient Safety: Bridging the Gap
Initiated by HIMSS OSR, a groundbreaking study set out to explore the association between digital maturity and the quality and safety performance of hospitals. Data from over 1,000 US hospitals with completed HIMSS EMRAM (Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model) data, was linked to hospital quality and safety data reported by Leapfrog Group in 2019 and 2021. Analyses of quality and safety outcomes predicted by digital maturity were examined for all hospitals, sizes, and types of hospitals were compared and contrasted for an association between digital maturity and quality and safety outcomes.
Findings revealed that hospitals with advanced higher digital maturity scores (e.g. EMRAM Stage 6 and Stage 7) are 24% more likely to achieve an A safety grade, reduced adverse events, improved surgical safety outcomes, and a strong leadership safety culture.
Findings revealed that hospitals with advanced higher digital maturity scores (e.g. EMRAM Stage 6 and Stage 7) are 24% more likely to achieve an A safety grade, reduced adverse events, improved surgical safety outcomes, and a strong leadership safety culture. These findings were consistent for all hospitals, regardless of size, location (urban or rural), or type (e.g. government, private, not-for-profit).
Driving Positive Patient Experiences
Beyond bolstering patient safety, digitally advanced hospitals also exhibited superior patient experience, signaling a comprehensive enhancement in healthcare delivery. Notably, patients reported significantly stronger communication with doctors and nurses, greater knowledge of medications, and more positive experience with transitions in care. Hospitals with higher digital maturity offer significantly more positive experiences for patients.
Spotlight on Workforce Excellence
The findings illuminated the profound influence of digital maturity on workforce excellence. Hospitals with advanced EMRAM (e.g. Stage 6, Stage 7) were significantly more likely to achieve top nursing workforce ratings, underscoring the role of digital maturity in advancing quality work environments for the workforce. Moreover, these digitally advanced institutions fostered a culture of leadership safety, conducive to optimal patient care and workforce satisfaction.
Navigating Digital Adoption Across Hospital Types
An analysis of digital maturity trends revealed intriguing patterns based on hospital size and ownership. Larger hospitals tended to exhibit lower levels of digital maturity, while for-profit institutions showed higher levels of advancement compared to governmental and non-profit counterparts. Understanding these nuances is crucial for devising tailored strategies to promote equitable access to digitally advanced healthcare services across all hospital types.
Championing Digital Transformation for a Safer Healthcare Future
This groundbreaking study’s findings underscore the transformative potential of digital maturity in hospital settings. By embracing digital innovation and prioritizing quality work environments, hospitals can strengthen patient safety, improve quality outcomes, and foster a culture of workplace excellence. Let us seize this opportunity to harness the power of digital maturity and shape a safer, more resilient healthcare future for all.
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