WakeMed Receives Prestigious Stage 7 HIMSS Validation
February 17, 2022
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 17, 2022) – WakeMed is now among an elite group of health systems to earn the prestigious Stage 7 validation from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Stage 7 represents the highest validation level provided by HIMSS and is a global symbol of an organization’s dedication to digital transformation in health care.
WakeMed received Stage 7 validation for the health system’s implementation of the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model in the inpatient (EMRAM) and outpatient (O-EMRAM) settings. According to HIMSS, less than 10 percent of health systems in the world have earned Stage 7 validation for either category.
“This recognition is a testament to WakeMed’s total team approach to using information so our patients can live their fullest lives. During the assessment, the focus was on our entire WakeMed team of providers, nurses, clinicians and administrators who have come together to use information to improve patient outcomes,” commented Pete Marks, PhD, vice president & Chief Information Officer.
The announcement of WakeMed’s Stage 7 verification became official on February 15 following a two-day virtual visit. HIMSS validators heard from leaders and clinicians across the organization about WakeMed optimizes Epic, MyChart, and other clinical informatics and tools to understand what the data is telling us—and how to improve patient care. During the closing session, the HIMSS validators made note of the outstanding teamwork they witnessed during their time with WakeMed. They also commended the use of data among front line staff and acknowledged numerous best practices in place system wide. HIMSS also shared opportunities for improvement based on current trends within the industry.
HIMSS models provide strategic pathways for health care organizations to advance key areas of provider maturity, such as infrastructure, analytics, coordination of care, and clinical documentation. To earn Stage 7 validation, an organization must demonstrate how they have optimized electronic medical records to improve patient safety, reduce errors, engage clinical teams, and increase patient satisfaction. Prior to achieving Stage 7 authentication, WakeMed earned Stage 6 validation in 2015 and 2020.
About WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 941-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, seven emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, more than 80 physician offices and Wake County’s only Level I Trauma Center. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 9,800 employees, 1,500 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 580 physicians and providers with WakeMed Physician Practices – all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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