Cleveland Clinic London is the First Private Hospital in the UK to be Awarded with HIMSS EMRAM Stage 6 Accreditation

Cleveland Clinic London has been awarded HIMSS EMRAM stage 6 accreditation, becoming the first private hospital in the UK to receive this achievement and one of eight hospitals in total that are Stage 6 and above in the UK.

HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) is a global advisor, thought leader and member-based society committed to reforming the global health ecosystem through the power of information and technology. The EMRAM, or Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, is an eight-stage framework to assess and measure the level of digital maturity and sophistication of healthcare organizations in terms of their electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

“This is a tremendous achievement for Cleveland Clinic London, and I could not be prouder of the team,” said Rob Lorenz M.D., Cleveland Clinic London President. “This is a fantastic demonstration of what we can achieve when we demonstrate our values of teamwork and innovation.”

To be validated against the EMRAM Stage 6 standards, the hospital must demonstrate a significant level of digitalization and integration of EMR into operations, leading to improved patient care, efficiency, data utilization, and other benefits that contribute to the overall quality of services provided.

“Being awarded a Stage 6 accreditation from HIMSS is a major achievement for the team, said Raihaan Mughal, Assoicate Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Clinic London. “We have built one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the UK, and I’m delighted that our focus on innovation to improve patient care has been recognized.”

“I am honored to validate Cleveland Clinic London at EMRAM Stage 6, which has embarked on a remarkable journey towards a near-paperless, patient-centric healthcare environment in 18 months since the hospital opened.” said John Rayner, Digital Health Strategist, Electronic

Medical Record Adoption Model, HIMSS. “They are the first hospital in the UK to achieve unit-dose dispensing and administration of pharmaceuticals. Their visionary leadership, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering commitment to excellence are shaping the future of healthcare.”

Cleveland Clinic London’s review noted that leaders are visible and impactful; a culture that has a strong commitment to improving quality of care and patient safety; and caregivers take ownership and are proud of all that has been achieved. HIMSS also praised Cleveland Clinic London as being one of the most forward-thinking hospital pharmacy departments in the UK, with innovative technology. Cleveland Clinic London was the first private hospital to use a pharmacy barcoding/closed loop medication administration, and the unit-dose pharmacy robot that individually wraps and tracks medication by bar code to the patient’s bedside.

The EMRAM achievement comes with several benefits:

Improved Patient Care and Safety: Hospitals at EMRAM Stage 6 have advanced clinical decision support systems, electronic medication administration records, and electronic order sets. This can lead to better-informed medical decisions, reduced medication errors, and improved patient outcomes.

Enhanced Efficiency: Hospitals operating at this stage have streamlined workflows and reduced reliance on paper-based processes. This can result in faster access to patient information, reduced administrative burdens, and improved operational efficiency.

Data Availability and Analysis: EMRAM Stage 6 hospitals have robust data repositories, making it easier to access and analyze patient data for quality improvement initiatives, research, and strategic decision-making.

Interoperability: These hospitals have achieved a high level of data sharing and exchange among different healthcare systems and providers, leading to better care coordination and smoother transitions of care for patients.

Patient Engagement: With advanced EMR systems, hospitals can provide patients with online access to their medical records, lab results, and other health information, promoting patient engagement and empowerment.

Regulatory Compliance: Many healthcare regulations and standards are tied to the use of electronic medical records. Hospitals at EMRAM Stage 6 are likely to be better positioned to meet compliance requirements and data security standards.

Cost Savings: While the initial investment in EMR implementation can be significant, hospitals that have reached EMRAM Stage 6 often realize cost savings over time due to streamlined processes, reduced paperwork, and improved resource utilization.

Clinical Decision Support: Advanced clinical decision support systems can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions by presenting relevant patient data, treatment guidelines, and best practices at the point of care.

Preparation for Future Stages: Achieving EMRAM Stage 6 sets the groundwork for potentially reaching Stage 7, which involves full interoperability and utilization of EMR data to improve population health.

Cleveland Clinic London Stage 6 accreditation for EMRAM will be valid for three years.