Augusta Health receives innovator award

Augusta Health won the 2012 Virginia Healthcare Innovators Award for Patient Care at the Virginia Health Care Conference on June 7 in Richmond.

The award was given to Augusta Health for achievement in using, and proving the effectiveness of, evidence-based order sets used for inpatient admissions.  In a study completed by Dr. Fred Castello, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Roger Gildersleeve, Hospitalists and Chief Medical Information Officer; and Penny Cooper, Integration Services Manager; the work showed cost savings for selected diagnoses through use of evidence-based order sets, even after adjusting for key variables, such as patient acuity. 

Order sets are lists of suggested physician orders for treating specific diagnoses or diseases.  They can help improve the outcomes for patients and reduce the chance for medical errors or unnecessary cost.

The information and analysis provided by the Augusta Health team can be used by physicians across the state and country for guidance and direction in the development of order sets and the adoption of Computerized Physician Order Entry systems now required by the federal government.

“We are very proud of the innovative work done by Dr. Castello, Dr. Gildersleeve and Penny Cooper,” said Mary N. Mannix, FACHE, President and CEO of Augusta Health.  “Another study by this same team, one on Assessing Readmission Risk, was recently published in the journal Healthcare Informatics. These Augusta Health professionals are leading our staff, and other organizations, in thoughtful analysis and information that helps provide high quality care at lower costs.  It is fantastic to see their excellent work recognized by professional groups around the state and nation.”

Augusta Health was chosen for the Virginia Healthcare Innovator Award from 18 nominees and 5 finalists in the category.  The focus of the conference was ‘Transforming Health Care through Innovation’.

Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit community hospital whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of our community through access to excellent care.  Named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in America by Thomson Reuters in both 2011 and 2012, Augusta Health has also been nationally recognized by HealthGrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for clinical excellence and patient safety.

For more information about Augusta Health, its programs or its services, please contact Public Relations at 540.245.7329 or 540.221.7329, or visit our website, www.augustahealth.com.