Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has set a groundbreaking precedent as the first hospital in Malaysia to achieve Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Stage 6 Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) validation. This international accreditation highlights IJN’s leadership in the digitalization of healthcare and its commitment to using cutting-edge technology to improve patient care and safety.

The EMRAM model is an eight-step framework designed to measure the adoption and use of electronic medical records (EMR) systems in healthcare settings. Hospitals that achieve Stage 6 demonstrate exceptional capabilities in using EMR systems to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.

Stage 6 hospitals like IJN are recognized for their leadership’s significant commitment and investment in digital healthcare transformation. Key milestones include the implementation of almost fully automated electronic medical records with controlled medical vocabulary, real-time integration of medical devices, closed-loop administration through technology, and clinical decision support for improve medical decisions. This enables advanced data analytics to improve care processes, aligning with medical staff to optimize patient safety through health IT, and sharing actionable electronic health data with stakeholders such as insurers, regulators and patients.

“We are proud to reach EMRAM Milestone 6, a milestone that reflects our team’s hard work and dedication to advancing patient care,” said Professor Dato’ Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, general director of IJN. “This achievement reflects our strategic investments in technology and innovation. This not only marks a milestone for IJN, but also sets an example for other institutions in Malaysia and beyond, demonstrating that digital transformation can improve patient safety, streamline clinical workflows and help healthcare providers to provide high-quality care,” he added.

Healthcare digitalization is not just a technology upgrade; it fundamentally transforms the way hospitals deliver care. At IJN, the adoption of advanced EMR systems improves patient safety by minimizing human errors, streamlining clinical workflows, and enabling real-time data access for better decision-making. This milestone positions IJN as a beacon of innovation in the healthcare sector, showcasing the tangible benefits of technology adoption.

Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr Alwi Mohamed Yunus, Clinical Director of Health Informatics and Head of Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, IJN added: “As we celebrate this achievement, our journey continues. We are already targeting EMRAM Stage 7 validation by 2025, which will allow us to provide even more comprehensive care and maximize the value of our data for better outcomes and operations.

Building on this success, IJN is now focused on improving its digital capabilities to achieve EMRAM Stage 7. Key initiatives include the launch of an updated version of the IJNCare app, which makes it easier for patients to manage their appointments, admissions and medication refills. IJNCare also plans to integrate wearable devices for home monitoring, allowing patients to track their health and connect with their healthcare providers virtually.

The hospital is also expanding its advanced monitoring systems to more clinical areas, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment and monitoring. Additionally, IJN leverages data analytics to identify trends and improve care, with the goal of smoother hospital operations and better patient outcomes. These strategic steps are part of IJN’s commitment to providing safer, higher-quality care for all patients.

The content is provided by IJN.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

Would you like to receive your press releases, exclusive interviews or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact (email protected) Or (email protected).