"As we implement advanced clinical applications, we start seeing a reduction in printing, leading to cutting our printing cost"

Jim Hauenstein
CIO
Enloe Medical Cente

Jim’s career spans over 29+ years in the Healthcare IT Industry. In 2012 Jim started pulling together the 4 major CIO in the region to form HIE. Today Jim is Chairperson of the SACVALLEY MEDSHARE HIE, which includes 7 counties. Jim has served on several committees.

Challenges in technology to meet enterprise needs in 2013 and expectations

I would expect our partners to be more understanding and provide better cost-cutting solutions for the hospitals instead of continuing to charge high prices for their products. But we are
seeing a decrease in re-imbursement which means a decrease in capital dollars. This has created a struggle determining what projects are those capital dollars allocated to.

The areas in business environment where solutions do not yet exist or not up to the mark, and which if existed, would've made job easier

Better mobile secure devices; because clinicians now want to bring their own devices and connect them to the hospital network. The clinicians need to work with the Information Services
Department to secure their device. The devices need to have the security that allows clinicians access their patient information in a secure way over the hospital network. This requires more
complex security tools that address hackers accessing your network.

Manner in which data is used to head off problems and complications before they happen

We have found several applications performing the same function, but each in a slightly different manner. If you are using these applications for reporting statics, you can end up with three different reports with different figures. Meaningful Use requires reporting from one certified vendor system, not three.

Thoughts on how IT strategic planning supports organization-wide efforts to improve quality, cut costs and improve efficiency in the Healthcare sector

As we implement advanced clinical applications we start seeing a reduction in printing, leading to cutting our printing cost. With the implementation of Bar Coding and Bedside Medication
Verification the system verifies that you have the correct patient, correct medication and that it is being administered at the correct time with the correct dose. With the implementation of Provider Order Entry, orders are entered into the system instead of being handwritten.

Technology trends impacting enterprise business environment

I will say one of the biggest trends that are going to impact hospitals is the use of mobile devices. Clearly if the security and everything else is in place, Care Providers will be more comfortable using their mobile device for accessing their patient records.

My roles and responsibilities as a CIO

In the last couple of years the CIO’s role has changed tremendously from a CIO of implementing systems to a CIO of transformation. For me transformation is moving from the Information Services department to handing over the control and placing it in the end-users’ hands. The end-user can then take ownership and pride of the systems they have selected and implemented.

Lessons learned and advice for fellow CIOs

CIOs have to be honest and should build a lasting relationship with their customers in order to maintain their confidence in him/her. He/her has to build the customer relationships that facilitates trust when the end-users are making their decisions. If the organization is going to embrace change, the CIO has to be seen as a change agent.