YNHHS globally recognized for use of health information and technology

Yale New Haven recently earned global recognition for its innovative use of information and technology in areas such as the Capacity Coordination Center, which uses real-time data to ensure safe patient flow.

Yale New Haven Health is one of 10 organizations worldwide to earn the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Davies Award for using health information and technology to substantially improve care delivery, leading to improved outcomes and population health.

YNHHS submitted more than a dozen examples of the thoughtful use of technology with demonstrated benefits in care safety and quality. The health system was specifically recognized for the innovative use of information and technology in Yale New Haven Hospital’s Capacity Coordination Center, the redesign of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and health system efforts to prevent opioid addiction.

The Capacity Coordination Center is designed to ensure safe patient flow by enhancing communication and collaboration. Representatives from various departments simultaneously use real-time data, including bed capacity, patient transport status, ED operations, nurse staffing and other critical information to manage the complexity and meet the demands of high-volume, timely care.

The completely redesigned Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which opened last year, features private rooms that are better for newborns and families, but can make staff communication more challenging. Solutions include technology that instantaneously transmits data and alarms from isolette monitors and bedside equipment to staff smartphones; systems that improve communication between clinicians and family members; and advanced alarms to improve response and reduce alarm fatigue. These tools enable infants and families to room together in privacy, while still receiving close attention and timely support from the care team.

YNHHS’ efforts to reduce the use of IV opioids in the hospital and pill opioids after discharge included changes to electronic prescribing. Yale New Haven reduced overall opioid prescribing – a major improvement in light of the national opioid epidemic – by substituting IV prescriptions with safer subcutaneous opioid injections and reducing the quantity of opioid pills prescribed at discharge.

YNHHS demonstrated improvements in all three areas and earned praise from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society for its culture of interdisciplinary teamwork, innovation and use of technology to advance strategies for care. One surveyor stated, “Yale New Haven Health is doing the heavy lifting for the industry.”