VA MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZED AS AMONG "MOST WIRED" HOSPITALS IN THE NATION

July 15, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC (DCVAMC) has been recognized, once again, as a "Most Wired" hospital by Hospital & Health Network’s (H&HN) magazine, a publication of the American Hospital Association.

This coveted distinction is the result of the H&HN’s Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study which promotes the effective use of information technology in achieving clinical and operational excellence. Areas surveyed included business processes, customer service, safety and quality, workforce management and public safety and quality.

DCVAMC was also recognized as a finalist in the Most Wired Innovator category with a separate submission describing The Provider Hand-off Tool. The Provider Hand-off Tool serves as a vital communication tool for ensuring safety when patients are transferred - at shift changes and other times - among various providers. This graphic interface in the Medical Center’s electronic health record system (EHR) helps prevent miscommunication and medical mishaps and ultimately improves patient safety.

DCVAMC’s submission was chosen by an independent panel selected by the editors of H&HN which evaluated submissions based on: universality and achievement of stated business objective; creativity and uniqueness of concept; impact on the organization; scope of the solution and the stage of implementation.

The presentation of the "Most Wired" and the Innovator Award will be made to Department of Veterans Affairs officials at the Health Forum/AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego, California July 24-28, 2008. Along with the distinctive recognition, winners will receive a plaque, a detailed benchmarking report, recognition in the cover story of the July issue of H&HN, and promotional items.

The Washington DC VA Medical Center was previously recognized as a &Most Wired& hospital in 1999, 2004 and 2006.

"What’s most important about being a "Most Wired" hospital is the way our electronic health records impact our delivery of health care. Veterans are being better served and appreciating outstanding health care improvements through the use of this phenomenal tool." said Medical Center Director, Fernando O. Rivera.

For additional information about Washington DC VA Medical Center visit http://www.washingtondc.va.gov or the Public Affairs Office at 202-745-4037.