In a groundbreaking stride toward global health technology improvement, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) is actively exporting its advanced hospital information system, BestCARE. Launched in 2008, BestCARE underpins SNUBH’s digital transformation agenda, elevating it to a notable position in the international tech medicine landscape. This system’s influence is evidenced by its adoption throughout 30 hospitals in the United States, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. The achievement aligns with SNUBH’s early recognition as the first non-U.S. hospital to reach Stage 7 in the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) back in 2010. SNUBH has maintained this status through three subsequent revalidations, with the most recent taking place at the end of 2023. This long-term commitment to digital excellence is mirrored in the success of BestCARE, installed in two prominent Saudi healthcare facilities, both of which have attained Stage 7 EMRAM recognition—highlighting the system’s cutting-edge design in digital healthcare solutions.
BestCARE: The Foundation of SNUBH’s Digital Evolution
At the heart of SNUBH’s digital strategy, BestCARE serves as a comprehensive platform that revolutionizes patient care through a combination of technology and evidence-based practices. The system is crafted around critical elements such as clinical decision support, closed-loop medication administration, clinical pathways, and sophisticated business intelligence tools. These components work synergistically, establishing a cohesive environment where patient outcomes are significantly improved. For instance, one of the notable impacts of BestCARE is its role in reducing the duration of hospital stays for patients undergoing endoscopic surgery, directly reflecting its efficacy in improving surgical outcomes. Additionally, the system optimizes the use of antibiotics, which not only enhances patient safety but also supports broader public health goals by addressing issues related to antibiotic resistance.
A notable feature within BestCARE, the closed-loop medication administration, stands out in its capacity to significantly minimize potential medication errors. This ensures precise and timely delivery of drugs, reinforcing patient safety. By integrating real-time data with clinical workflows, the system aids clinicians in developing precise treatment plans and standardizing care across the institution, reducing variability and enhancing healthcare delivery. These strategic solutions collectively underscore SNUBH’s mission to leverage technology for advancing medical outcomes and setting new standards in digital healthcare.
Pioneering Digital Healthcare Through Data and Benchmarking
SNUBH’s commitment to digital leadership is further strengthened by its proactive use of data analytics and benchmarking through tools such as HIMSS’s digital maturity models, including EMRAM and AMAM. The hospital’s substantial data warehouse capability facilitates the automated extraction and tracking of over 500 clinical and business intelligence metrics, enabling real-time performance monitoring and transparency. This robust infrastructure supports ongoing quality improvement initiatives, allowing SNUBH to respond swiftly to evolving healthcare challenges.
The HIMSS maturity models serve as invaluable benchmarks in SNUBH’s digital journey. These frameworks guide the hospital in evaluating and enhancing its digital capabilities, ensuring alignment with international best practices. The recent focus on AMAM’s updated framework signifies SNUBH’s agile approach to integrating innovative technology solutions into clinical and operational domains. By actively sharing its expertise and successful digital practices with global counterparts, SNUBH not only contributes to the maturation of electronic medical records worldwide but also fosters a collaborative environment for continued advancement in the field. This international outreach further solidifies SNUBH’s position as a digital healthcare pioneer, committed to setting benchmarks for others to follow.
Future Trajectory in Global Health Tech
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) is making significant advances in global health technology by exporting its sophisticated hospital information system, BestCARE. Introduced in 2008, BestCARE supports SNUBH’s digital transformation efforts, helping it gain international recognition for tech-driven medicine. This system’s reach extends to 30 hospitals across the United States, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. This achievement reflects SNUBH’s early distinction as the first non-U.S. hospital to achieve Stage 7 in the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) in 2010. This prestigious status has been retained through three revalidations, with the latest in late 2023. The hospital’s enduring commitment to digital excellence is showcased through the successful deployment of BestCARE in two leading Saudi healthcare institutions, both achieving Stage 7 EMRAM status, further underscoring BestCARE’s innovative role in digital healthcare solutions and its influence on international medical practices.
