Healthcare organizations are pervasively using benchmarking to measure key statistics and processes within their organizations. In an era of pay-for-performance, understanding and implementing best practice is crucial for competitiveness. Access to real-time reporting allows healthcare professionals to quickly and accurately determine if resources are being utilized adequately, if budgets are being maximized, and if patients are receiving the care they need. Industry leaders share their best practices and define how modern technology keeps their organizations running at peak efficiency. We also highlight those organizations that are exceeding industry standards, and we learn from the new generation of healthcare providers as they share their vision for the future.
Featured Articles:
Executive NoteIn an era of consumer choice, quality transparency and pay-for-performance, understanding and implementing best practices is crucial for competitiveness
— Kim Hlobik, Vice President, Lighthouse, Cerner Corporation
‘Voice of the Customer’ Comes ThroughHeartland Health draws on patient input to improve the health and quality of life for residents in a four-state area
— Helen Thompson and Dottie Bray, Heartland Health
Halting the Sepsis CascadeAn electronic alert and focused awareness improve sepsis outcomes with enhanced recognition, early intervention — Dr. Karen Hopper and Paula Jacobs, Methodist North Hospital
Reaching for ExcellenceIndustry awards for HIT innovation distinguish Cerner clients — Dr. C. Eric Hartz, Eastern Maine Medical Center; and Dr. Michael L. LeFevre, University of Missouri Health Care
Getting to the Heart of Cardiac Care A forward-thinking methodology points the way to process improvement — Dr. John S. Pirolo, Saint Thomas Health Services
Lights On Network Changes Business PracticeAccessible reporting system allows members to evaluate and address operational performance and data trends — Nick van Domburg, Sydney South West Area Health Service
A Look Ahead: Healthcare in the New Administration
The arrival of a new administration in the White House in 2009 will bring new and sweeping changes to the healthcare industry. These changes will fundamentally impact how healthcare is structured, administered, and ultimately delivered. In this issue of The Cerner Quarterly, key thought leaders weigh in on how these changes will affect the healthcare continuum on the national and state levels – from IDNs and community hospitals to insurance companies and employers to HIT providers and consumers.