In Denpasar, the capital of Bali, Indonesia, Kasih Ibu Hospital Group's flagship hospital has achieved a significant milestone. It has been validated for Stage 6 of the HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model. This eight-stage model meticulously measures an organization's maturity in their EMR capabilities.

Why This Matters

Kasih Ibu Hospital Group initially began as a maternity hospital in Denpasar in 1987. Four years later, it transformed into a general hospital. With four branches spread across Bali regencies, the group recognized the growing need for digital transformation. Situated in one of the world's most visited island destinations, last year witnessed around 5 million foreign tourists flocking to Bali.The digital transformation at its 100-bed flagship hospital commenced with the installation of a business intelligence platform. This enabled data-driven organization decision making and helped identify specific needs and areas for improvement. Subsequently, the implementation of PACS, LIS, and then the EMR system, powered by Vesalius, followed suit.According to HIMSS, the group's visionary leadership led to the EMR implementation in 2018. Kasih Ibu Hospital Denpasar recently underwent the EMRAM validation to ensure its foundational technology, the EMR, met international standards.During the validation process, HIMSS validators noticed the hospital's automated early warning scoring (EWS) system with real-time alerts. This supporting technology for the EMR system in the general wards is a first in Indonesia and is powered by Philips. It was observed that the EWS can record vital signs data automatically within five minutes and detect patient deterioration promptly.Meanwhile, Kasih Ibu Hospital Denpasar has also integrated CDSS with globally recognized clinical resources. It has rolled out closed-loop management systems and fully integrated the EMR across all departments. Additionally, a patient portal called KIH Connect was introduced to enhance patient engagement."Continuous monitoring and improvement were integral to our process. We regularly monitored the performance of implemented systems using Tableau for data analysis, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency. This approach helped identify areas for continuous improvement and maintain compliance with Stage 6 standards," Kasih Ibu Hospital Group president Krishna Duarsa explained to Healthcare IT News."Our team collaboratively ensured that all aspects of our digital systems, processes, and integrations were thoroughly documented. This included detailed records of system implementations, staff training programs, data integration mechanisms, patient safety protocols, and continuous improvement initiatives."After achieving EMRAM validation, Kasih Ibu Hospital Group plans to continue investing in the digital transformation of its hospitals. It also aims to get its Denpasar hospital validated for the highest EMRAM stage. HIMSS expects its integration with SatuSehat for data exchange and other potential requirements.

The Larger Trend

In 2022, Jakarta-based Pondok Indah Hospital Group became the first healthcare provider in Indonesia to be validated for the HIMSS EMRAM. All three of its hospitals in Pondok Indah, Puri Indah, and Bintaro Jaya were validated for Stage 6.This year, all 43 public hospitals under the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and private Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi in Thailand were validated for Stage 7 of the EMRAM. Taiwan-based Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from South Korea were revalidated for the highest EMRAM stage.

On the Record

"With the gradual advancement of digital transformation in healthcare across the country, our achievement of EMRAM Stage 6, previously attained by only one other hospital, stands as a testament to our advanced healthcare technology capabilities. This success demonstrates that digital transformation is not confined to the capital city of Jakarta but is also thriving in regions beyond," Duarsa said. The hospital has set up an international division to cater to international tourists and expatriates."As a hospital group based in Bali, the tourism hub of Indonesia, our strategic location requires us to meet high standards set by international insurance providers. Ensuring that our facilities are top-notch and compliant with global benchmarks is crucial. Achieving Stage 6 HIMSS EMRAM validation not only builds trust among the international communities and the local ones but also underscores our dedication to providing high-quality care. This recognition solidifies our position as a leading healthcare provider in the region," he added.Besides helping enhance patient safety, operational efficiency, and reputation, a HIMSS EMRAM validation, according to Duarsa, also positions an organization to adopt new health technologies."This readiness for future technologies ensures that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical advancements and continues to offer cutting-edge care to its patients."