Hospitals & Health Networks' 2005 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study

An analysis of this year's Most Wired Survey results shows for the first time that hospitals leading the way in information technology also have better outcomes. They use a wider array of IT tools to address quality, they conduct a larger percentage of clinical transitions via IT, and a larger precentage of their physicians enter orders themselves.

The Quality Connection

The nation's 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems have, on average, risk-adjusted mortality rates that are 7.2 percent lower than other hospitals. The conclusion is valid at the 99 percent confidence level and remains valid even after controlling the data for the size of the hospital and teaching status. However, the analysis does not establish a causal relationship between IT and outcomes.

The Search For Meaning: Does Information Technology Make A Difference?

Since the first release of Most Wired data in 1999, the editors of Hospitals & Health Networks have been asked if additional analysis of Most Wired as a benchmark group would show an association between implementation and use of IT and results. During the last five years, the magazine editors have worked. To address the question. This year's research has three major components.

About the Survey

For the seventh year, Hospitals & Health Networks has named the 100 Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems. The list is based on responses to the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study.

The 2005 Most Wired Winners

100 Most Wired

Most Improved

Most Wired-Small and Rural

Most Wireless

Innovator Awards

Past Winners

Figures

Figure 1. Full Adoption by Physicians

Figure 2. Access to CPOE

Figure 3. Medications Ordered Electronically

Figure 4. Medication Orders Matched Electronically

Figure 5. Full Adoption of Alerts

Figure 6. Physician Portals for Decision Support

Figure 7. Electronic Surveillance

Figure 8. 2005 Most Wired Survey Respondents vs. U.S. Hospitals

Figure 9. Scoring Distribution

The Most Wired Team

H&HN appreciates the support of many individuals who contributed to the success of the Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study, the Innovator Awards and the research and analysis.

The 2005 survey is a joint project of H&HN, IDX Systems Corp., Accenture and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.

This article first appeared in the July 2005 issue of H&HN magazine.

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