Metroplex Improves Patient Care With Technology

(KILLEEN, TX) – Metroplex Health System was named a Stage 7 hospital by HIMSS Analytics, a national healthcare data analyst.

The designation recognizes Metroplex for reaching the highest level on the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Adaptation Model which evaluates the progress and impact of EMR systems for hospitals. By tracking their progress in completing stages 0-7, hospitals can evaluate the use of information technology regarding patient records. Metroplex began implementation of its EMR process in 2006.

“When it comes to treating our patients, we are here to help them heal as quickly as possible while achieving the best outcomes for their recovery,” said Carlyle Walton, president and CEO of Metroplex Health System. “That’s why achieving this designation means so much to us. Being able to share information with a patient’s entire care team quickly and accurately through electronic medical records ensures the best and safest care in the most efficient manner.”

To reach Stage 7, Metroplex had to validate that the hospital

• no longer uses paper charts to deliver or manage patient care
• analyzes patterns of data being warehoused to improve the quality of care patient safety and care delivery efficiency, can share clinical information with all entities authorized to treat the patient using electronic transactions
• demonstrates summary data continuity for all hospital services
• includes medications, specimen collection, and administration of blood products in the closed loop positive patient identification process.

“Before electronic medical records, there was often a delay in communication between doctors and nurses,” said Mary Ellen Knox, RN, clinical informatics educator. “Now that we follow the HIMSS model and use EMRs, we can deliver better care because we can all communicate in real time.”

Knox, who has practiced nursing for 27 years, said that EMR features, such as care sets, are valuable assets because they ensure best practices are followed at all times through the use of alerts.

“It provides an extra layer of security which helps all of us feel more confident about the care we are providing,” said Knox. “In all my years of nursing, I can truly say EMRs have provided us the safest way to practice nursing.”

As of January 1, 2017, only 263 of the 5,478 US Hospitals tracked by HIMSS Analytics had reached Stage 7. Metroplex will be recognized at the 2017 HIMSS Conference and Exhibition on Feb. 19-23, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

For more information about the HIMSS Stage 7 designation process visit himss.org.