West Virginia University Hospitals has been named one of the top 25 hospitals and health systems in the country for improved use of information technology.

WVUH was chosen based on the results of the 2009 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study conducted by Hospitals and Health Networks, a publication of the American Hospital Association.

The results are used to rate hospitals’ use of information technology for quality, customer service, public health and safety, business processes and workforce issues. The study, marking its 11th year, rates the 100 Most Wired, 25 Most Wired – Small and Rural, 25 Most Wireless and 25 Most Improved.

The “most wired” organizations are hospitals and health systems that scored highest on the survey questions. “Most improved” recognizes those groups that have significantly improved from year to year.

WVUH previously made the 25 Most Improved list in 2005.

“Merlin, our new information system, has really taken our use of information technology to a whole new level,” Rich King, WVUH vice president and chief information officer, said. “I believe Merlin, as well as the creation of a chief medical information officer within our organization, made us stand out from the pack this year.”

The Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study promotes the effective use of information technology in achieving clinical and operational excellence. It continues to lead the field in analyses and benchmarking of healthcare information technology.

This year, 556 hospitals and health systems completed the survey.

For information on the Most Wired lists see http://www.hhnmostwired.com/hhnmostwired_app/index.jsp.

For information on WVUH, see http://www.wvuh.com.

-WVU-

sb/aj/10/15/09

CONTACT: Angela Jones, HSC News Service,
(304) 293-7087, jonesan@wvuh.com