24 March 2011 05:03
This was my first visit to HIMSS and I must say, I was impressed. 31,000 attended the show and HIMSS had over 14,000 professional registrants.
The Keynotes were likewise impressive: From Dr. Regina Benjamin, U.S. Surgeon General, Office of the Surgeon General and Dr. Donald Berwick, Administrator of CMS toThe Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, HIMSS did not disappoint. But what impressed me most was that amidst the IT-centric booths, speakers and attendees, the focus was improving patient care being patient-centric about how we create and share good data. And, as the talk and technology focused on Business Intelligence, it became clear to me more than ever before that it is good clinical documentation and data that drive quality patient care. Yes, you have to document accurately for reimbursement, but its also the foundation for core measures, patient safety and achieving true quality care. And, its indeed the foundation for Business Intelligence.
One particular presentation I enjoyed was given by Dr. James Holly of Southeast Texas Medical Associates. He outlined steps to define an organization-wide quality initiative and in that presentation pointed to the ability to prepare a hospital care summary and post-hospital plan of care and treatment plan. Using this, they can improve outcomes and care. Again, the value of the date flowing into this discharge summary is key. Quality data and quality documentation allows for the appropriate summary and triggers so that patient care and follow-up decreases preventable readmissions. Once you have the right patient documentation, you can truly use the information to implement change that will make a difference, according to Dr. Holly. Have any of you attended HIMSS11 and what did you find most surprising?
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