Technology upgrades keep Reid Health at ‘forefront of innovation in healthcare’

Inside each patient room at Reid Health Hospital, a 43-inch screen hangs vertically from the wall, facing the patient's bed. Part medical chart, part care plan, it's capable of bringing information to life in a way that could never be done with the old whiteboard it replaced.

These smartboards and their companion tablet-sized devices that hang outside rooms have been the most visible in a series of technology improvements Reid Health has undergone recently.

Altogether, these projects represent a significant investment in the future of patient care that Reid is excited to bring to the region, according to Ben Wells, Reid Health Acting President/CEO and Chief Financial Officer.

"We take pride in being at the forefront of innovation in healthcare," he said. "We're second to none in the services we offer to our communities, and these improvements build upon the already excellent, high-quality care our team provides."

Here's a closer look at the improvements that have come to Reid Health recently.

Smartboards

The tablet-size device outside a patient's room displays the room number, visitor status, precaution signs such as "fall risk," and any other warnings staff should be prepared for before entering. The device also allows staff to video conference with the patient before going inside, a particularly useful feature when full protective equipment is needed before entering a patient's room, such as with a COVID-positive patient.

"It tells staff exactly what protective equipment they should put on and reminds them of the proper order to do so," said Jared Dunlap, Manager of Clinical Informatics for Reid Health. "They can also talk with the patient before gowning up to be sure they have everything they need before entering the room, saving time and reducing equipment waste."

When a staff member goes inside, their photo, name, and title appear on the smartboard and if the call light is on, it turns off automatically.

"When I walk in the room, my picture pops up on the board and tells the patient my role and my position, which doubles as a useful security feature, letting the patient and family members know we are who we say we are," Dunlap said.

The smartboard displays all the information that once was on the whiteboard, including staff on duty, the patient's care schedule, when medications can be distributed next, and more. It also can show the patient's X-rays and other scan images as well as lab results.

"The great thing about the smartboard is it's integrated into our Epic system -- our electronic medical records-keeping system -- so as information is updated, it automatically flows over to the board, and if updates are made directly on the board, those will flow into Epic. Reid is one of the first in the country to do that," Dunlap said.

Care providers can use the touchscreen to draw and take notes on images from X-rays, CT, and other scans to help the patient and their family better visualize and understand their care plan. It also can be used to set up a video conference with the patient, their family, and various members of the care team without having to find time when everyone can be in the same room at once.

Upgrades to the call light system include dedicated buttons for the patient to request a drink or to tell staff they need to go to the bathroom. When the call light is activated, a timer appears on the smartboard, telling the patient exactly how long it's been since they requested help.

New badges worn by some staff include features that make it easier to summon officers from the Reid Health Police Department, if necessary, as well as to find available co-workers when more than one person is needed to help a patient turn over, stand up, etc.

"As we continue to expand our technology capabilities -- including advancements in artificial intelligence and virtual nursing -- we made it a priority to select a solution that is truly smart, adaptable, and efficient," Dunlap said. "One of the key advantages of our approach is all the new functionalities operate seamlessly from a single device in the room, eliminating the need for costly hardware changes.

"From the beginning, we were intentional about implementing technology that's not just innovative but also practical and future-ready. Our commitment to true 'smart' technology ensures as healthcare evolves, our solutions evolve with it -- enhancing patient care, improving workflows, and maximizing efficiency."

For greater patient safety, another technology upgrade automatically documents when staff members wash and sanitize their hands, making it easier for staff to track that they're observing the required steps for good hand hygiene.

"These updates are relevant technology, things that directly improve patient care now and will pave the way for care delivery in the future," said Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer for Reid Health. "They'll help us to invest in other innovative, cutting-edge technologies that will continue to enhance bedside care."

Abridge

Providers across the Reid system have begun to use an artificial intelligence (AI) technology that allows them to spend more time in direct conversation with their patients.

Abridge is software specifically built for healthcare that records conversations between a provider and their patient during a visit and generates real-time notes for the patient's chart, removing the need for providers to take notes manually and allowing them to put their entire focus on their patients.

"The bottom line is I feel closer to the patient in the examining room," said Daniel Wegg, MD, family medicine physician for Reid Health. "I try to use it with every patient, and it's improved my quality."

Administrative burden is one of the leading causes of provider burnout, driving many to leave the profession. This is especially critical in rural communities where doctors often see more patients with limited resources.

"Abridge is expanding access to care. The freed-up time has increased efficiency for the entire care team to where we've dropped responses to patient calls down to seconds," said Muhammad Siddiqui, Vice President/Chief Information Officer for Reid Health.

"You don't have to be at a massive, urban healthcare system to have access to AI technology that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of providers and their patients."

Epic Refuel

A series of updates to Reid's electronic medical records (EMR) platform is benefitting patients and staff alike.

The Epic Refuel project ensures the hospital remains up to date with the latest EMR advancements, including AI-driven tools and new features designed to improve care, accessibility, and efficiency.

Some of the new features for patients include:

• Insurance details such as deductible information, benefits, and membership cards can be found in MyReid, the mobile app built using the Epic platform.
• Downloadable forms in MyReid have health information such as allergies, current medications, providers, and more for easy sharing with your child's daycare, school, or summer camp.
• Text messages can be sent to patients letting them know when home care staff are on their way.
• Providers can text and email details about medical study opportunities to patients who might be eligible to participate, regardless of whether those patients have a MyReid account.

For staff, workflow improvements allow them to spend less time in the system and more time with patients.

"Our goal is to implement the latest technology as soon as it becomes available to enhance patient care," Siddiqui said. "These updates ensure we stay ahead of the curve and provide the best possible experience for patients and staff."

Workday

Still in the works is Reid's implementation of Workday, a software platform that will bring multiple human resources and other operational functions into a single, unified system.

"This isn't just a technology upgrade, it's a crucial part of our strategy to build a more agile, efficient, and innovative organization," Siddiqui said. "By adopting Workday, we're equipping our team with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing healthcare environment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our patients and a more empowered workforce."

The Workday platform will streamline some administrative tasks and provide greater visibility into personal and professional development opportunities for employees, helping team members take charge of their careers and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

"At Reid Health, we believe joy at work is a fundamental aspect of delivering exceptional patient care. With Workday, we're creating a more streamlined and intuitive work experience that allows our team members to focus on what brings them joy -- caring for our patients and making a meaningful impact in our community." -- Pam Jones, Vice President/General Counsel

Most Wired

All these investments were part of the reason why Reid earned Level 9 recognition in the acute and ambulatory categories of the annual Digital Health Most Wired program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) in 2024.

The survey and recognition program serves as a comprehensive "Digital Health Check-up" for healthcare organizations worldwide. The achievement goes beyond information technology to include a commitment across the organization to enhancing healthcare through advanced digital strategies.

Participating organizations are graded on a scale of 1-10. According to CHIME, those in Level 9 are often leaders in healthcare technology that push the industry forward. Not only have many of them implemented advanced technologies, but they often use those in innovative ways and have encouraged adoption across their organization. These groups see improved quality of care, improved patient experience, reduced costs, and broader patient access to services.

Some of the advanced technologies used to achieve these outcomes include telehealth solutions, price-transparency and cost-analysis tools, access to data at the point of care, and tools to engage patients and their families throughout the care process.

Among the almost 48,000 facilities represented in the 2024 survey, Reid Health ranked above peers in categories such as analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey evaluates the adoption, integration, and impact of technologies across healthcare organizations, from early-stage adopters to industry leaders.

"Reaching Level 9 recognition in both acute and ambulatory care at Reid Health marks a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of digital transformation," Siddiqui said. "This achievement not only reflects the strength of our technological capabilities but also the dedication of our entire team in driving innovation to improve patient outcomes.

"As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies -- particularly artificial intelligence -- will be a game changer, empowering us to deliver more personalized, efficient, and predictive care. Together, we'll continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, shaping the future of healthcare."