Benefit analysis of administrative and clinical computerization of a large transplant center.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the implementation of a computer system that fully integrates all activities of a transplant center and coordinates secure, live data across the continuum of care.


METHODS
Our center implemented a comprehensive patient tracking solution customized at each point of patient entry. Benefits were measured by provider, patient, and staff feedback; time study; and retrospective cost analysis.


RESULTS
Computerization of each patient file maintained current clinical information, which facilitated patient monitoring, expeditious evaluations and listings, marketing, automated correspondence, and regulatory reporting. Enhanced data have allowed for clinical analysis, which has improved outcomes. Data availability has promoted consistency in negotiations with commercial insurers to ensure profitability. Research capacity has been increased through standardized budgets, time study, and cost analysis and has facilitated patient recruitment.


CONCLUSIONS
The need to integrate information is vital for data accuracy and integrity. Data integration has maximized performance, profitability, and accuracy while decreasing administrative time and costs.
Tietjen
Andrea L
AL
Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ, USA.
Dowell-Cherry
Rachel
R
Mulgaonkar
Shamkant
S
Morgan
Debbie
D
D058016:Health Facility Administration; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014180:Transplantation