Mahaska Health Partnership Information Technology Recognized for Innovation
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY –Mahaska Health Partnership’s Information Technology (IT) team was recently recognized by a national publication, Healthcare IT News, for their innovation and teamwork as they support technological operations throughout the organization.
Technology is integrated into every part of our world today and healthcare is no different. “The past five years have been a whirlwind of change from a technology and regulatory perspective in healthcare,” MHP Director of IT Chris Hickie stated.
“This award signifies our team’s deep commitment to implementing technologies that enhance our provider’s ability to make healthcare personal while protecting our patient’s security and privacy.”
MHP’s IT team is comprised of six professionals with diversified skills to support the hundreds of employees and patients interacting with technology on campus daily. “We have a very family oriented culture which makes this a great place to work,” Hickie shared.
“My team’s various experiences in other industries allow us to provide specialized support in key areas as we work to solve day-to-day challenges, oversee our electronic medical record and manage the security and integrity of our network infrastructure.
“We take great pride in enabling our healthcare team to utilize reliable hardware and software tools to their fullest extent toward enhancing our patient’s experiences. We also recognize the value of simple comforts when healing which is why we have integrated entertainment features such as satellite radios and AppleTV in our patient rooms.”
So often, IT professionals operate behind the scenes in data closets and hidden offices but at MHP, when the IT team has the opportunity to interact with patients and staff it is often the highlight of their day. “Technology can be intimidating whether a person is utilizing it for their job or entertainment,” Hickie expanded.
“We focus on being attentive to our customers, welcoming their questions and trying to decrease anxiety. Although we aren’t providing direct patient care, we’re making healthcare personal by reducing the stress from using technology for our co-workers and patients.”
Hickie said his team’s long-term hope is that all the technological implementations and data collection will lead to better foresight in preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health improvement opportunities.
“Technology is the key we give our providers to make informed recommendations and the key we give our patients to be active members of their healthcare team. It’s exciting to have that kind of impact on patient care!”
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, call 641.672.3240 or visit mahaskahealth.org.
