NOC reaccredited for excellence in digital healthcare

The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) in Oxford has once again been rated highly for how it uses technology and digital processes to improve patient care.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), which runs the hospital, has been reaccredited with a Stage 6 ranking on the EMR (Electronic Medical Record) Adoption and Maturity (EMRAM) scale, the second highest rating by the international Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

The NOC, which was previously granted Stage 6 in 2020, was reaccredited following virtual and on-site assessments. The Digital team demonstrated how the Trust is joining up healthcare for patients through innovative digital initiatives.

One example included the structured and standardised nursing structured notes which was shown to balance accurate record keeping and the ability to analyse and present data.

The inspectors noted: "By ensuring that record keeping practices are standardised, nurses can enhance their professional practice, safeguard patient outcomes, and contribute to the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery systems."

Another initiative was the implementation of clinical alerts which support clinicians when prescribing. For example, prompting clinicians to monitor therapeutic ranges for Warfarin as well as patients who are receiving oxygen that require a prescription.

The successful revalidation means the hospital remains part of an international group of organisations committed to operating a near-paperless environment and using electronic patient record technology to drive transformational change in all aspects of inpatient care.

Dr Bishoy Dimitri, Director of Clinical Informatics at OUH, said: "This is a world-class achievement and validates the incredible work our digital teams do to enhance patient care.

"Our commitment to leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes is a continuous journey and this accreditation commends the immense work that has been delivered so far."

HIMSS is a non-profit organisation that works around the world promoting the use of technology to improve patient safety, care quality, cost effectiveness, and access to services.

The HIMSS team said: "A recurring theme we saw and heard from the staff was the passion for using technology as a driver of continuous service improvement. This was clearly reflected in your initiatives. Patient safety is at the forefront of everything you do in digital."

Ben Attwood, Chief Digital and Information Officer at OUH, said: "I am proud to support our efforts to achieve HIMSS Stage 6 certification.

"This achievement highlights our commitment to enhancing patient care through advanced digital solutions and streamlined clinical workflows.

"I am grateful to all staff for their hard work and collaboration in setting such high standards for digitally enabled patient care."

OUH uses Cerner by Oracle Health to deliver its Electronic Patient Records.

Seema Verma, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Oracle Health and Life Sciences, said: "We commend Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre for their innovative use of the EMR to enhance the experience for clinicians and patients.
 
"We look forward to continuing our relationship with OUH to further help them transform clinical processes, gain operational efficiencies, and advance care for their patients."