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Conventional wisdom holds that technological advancements and superior talent are the domain of large metropolitan hospitals and academic institutions. What Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wis., and other hospitals, especially in the Upper Midwest, are showing is that mid-sized community hospitals can transform themselves through investments in technology and talent. This transformation has dramatic effects both internally and externally. In one way, the community is transformed. People in areas such as western Wisconsin obtain access to the best care available. They also benefit from other programs, such as our hospital’s buy local and green initiatives, which spring from the same entrepreneurial spirit that drives our technological advancements. In another way, internally, the entrepreneurial spirit transforms our hospital’s culture to one of institutional excellence throughout all departments. Just a few years ago, it was unthinkable that a community hospital like ours could be one of the first in the country to use a technology configuration that includes the iCT (intra-operative computed tomography) and iMRI (intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging) for both diagnostic and surgical use. At Sacred Heart Hospital, treatment for brain, spine and trauma patients using advanced technology has improved quality outcomes and reduced the need for additional surgeries. It also has given our 344-bed hospital state-of-the-art tools that have enabled us to draw top medical and surgical talent to our region in Eau Claire, Wis. Advanced Technology: Sacred Heart Hospital’s Smart ORTM Surgical Suites The genesis of our transformation at Sacred Heart Hospital was our investment in our Smart OR. The Smart OR is really two innovative surgical suites designed for both diagnostics and complex surgeries for brain, spine and trauma patients. The concept took shape in 2005 when our administrators and surgeons, led by Dr. Kamal Thapar, director of our Brain & Spine Institute, traveled the world conducting extensive research on available technologies from various manufacturers to best configure the surgical suite with patient comfort and outcomes in mind. Our hospital’s first Smart OR suite was launched in 2008 and features an iMRI. The iMRI moves to and from the patient during procedures to offer real-time imagery during brain surgery. Conversely, in standard neurosurgeries, regular MRI scans can only be done before and after an operation. The Smart OR technology combines diagnostic images with those taken during surgery to produce a high-definition, 3-D map of the brain. In addition, a high-resolution microscope operates with a GPS-like system to magnify the field of view, which enables our surgeons to avoid sensitive areas of the brain. The technology helps our surgeons do their jobs better and that has had a very positive impact on our patients’ outcomes. Sacred Heart Hospital recently launched its second Smart OR suite, featuring an iCT. The iCT also moves to and from the patient during procedures to offer real-time imagery. In standard spinal procedures, regular CT scans can only be done before and after an operation. The minimally-invasive technology applied in the Smart OR suites offers the most sophisticated imagery and mapping technologies, equipping surgeons with the highest level of accuracy for the complete removal of tumors of the brain and precise placement of spinal screws. In addition to the iMRI and iCT, there are various other technological components that come together in our Smart OR suites to create an integrated system of advanced imaging and mapping technology. These include: BrainSUITE® – a surgical mapping system in which all imagery is managed and registered for immediate access VectorVision Sky – considered the global positioning system (GPS) for the brain and spine Zeiss OPMI Petro C Microscope – high magnification to navigate through the brain and spine The Benefits of Technology to Patients Sacred Heart Hospital’s Smart OR technologies and surgical teams provide our patients with access to the most advanced care available. Patients do not have to travel to New York or Boston for the precision, safety and outcomes provided by the iMRI and iCT. At Sacred Heart Hospital, tumors are removed with utmost confidence, minimizing the need to re-operate and allowing for reduced trauma, faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay. In a recent review of 30 patients operated on in the iMRI suite, the technology enabled surgeons to locate residual tumors in one-third of our brain surgery patients. Therefore, the tumors were fully removed in the original operation, eliminating the need to go back in and operate again. With the iCT, implants and screws are placed in the exact position needed, minimizing the need to re-operate and allowing for smaller spine exposure, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. Another benefit to our neurosurgery patients is that the technologies have identified unexpected situations, such as blood clots, which help our surgeons manage their cases better and prevent serious complications. Plus, the images surgeons receive during surgery help them protect surrounding healthy areas of the brain and spine because they can pinpoint the area for surgery to the exact millimeter. Patient safety is another key benefit. Due to the mobility of the Smart OR technologies, our brain, spine and trauma patients do not need to be moved from the operating table. Keeping a patient still lessens the risk of complications. Smaller incisions are possible due to high-definition images. Smaller incisions mean quicker healing and less risks to our patients. Sacred Heart Hospital is one of only a handful of U.S. hospitals that can provide its patients with the benefits of the Smart OR (we are one of six with the iMRI and one of only two with the combination of both the iMRI and iCT). Providing these benefits, usually associated with large metropolitan or academic institutions, to residents of western Wisconsin is our “high tech” strategy for living our “traditional” mission: to serve the sick, the aged, the poor and the terminally ill with primary concern for the patient’s spiritual, physical, psychological and social well-being. The Benefits of Technology to the Hospital and its Culture At Sacred Heart Hospital, we found that the combination of our entrepreneurial advancement of technology and our traditional Franciscan mission revolutionized the way our hospital viewed itself and the way our employees viewed their role within it. This has led to improved patient outcomes, improved quality measures and improved employee satisfaction. The revolution has touched all levels and departments of our hospital. Technology alone cannot provide the improved outcomes for patients. It is only useful if you have skilled hands and medical expertise of the physicians using it. Recruiting top-notch physicians from major academic medical centers is possible because the best technology, which they trained on, is available in the local hospital setting. Rather than being satisfied with old ways of performing medicine, physicians continually challenge themselves and our hospital team to improve procedures. These technologies transform the way our hospital and physicians are able to improve organizational effectiveness. Thinking in new ways about the methods and procedures that are commonly performed for our patients is part of the process. Figuring out how to improve those outcomes using technology is not only a strategic business initiative, it fulfills our mission as well. The use of the technologies for spine and brain surgery are just the beginning. Other specialties are able to see the advances that these technologies offer in both diagnostics and surgery, and are determining ways to utilize it for their own patients. As those physicians and others see the applications of the technology in their disciplines, new ways of using it for the benefit of patients emerge. Beyond our physicians, it might be less obvious that, as technological advances get introduced in community hospitals, the skills of support teams and other departments improve too. Hands-on learning and practicing with new equipment helps everyone on the team through access to the latest information and practices, which ensures top-notch care. In fact, even our housekeeping team increased their skills because they received special training to clean the surgical suites and equipment. The transformation at Sacred Heart Hospital is a lesson in how technological advancements coupled with a traditional emphasis on patient outcomes can improve access to quality care. It has taught us that the best diagnostic and surgical expertise and technologies can be available in smaller communities like ours, as well as in large metropolitan areas and academic institutions. Combining healthcare business expertise and strong leadership with the hospital’s faith-based mission, Steve Ronstrom is leading the transformation of Sacred Heart from an outstanding community hospital to a model regional tertiary care center. During his tenure, he has led the development of two five-year strategic plans to build harmony in the medical community including physicians in multi-specialty groups as well as independent practice. In addition, he eliminated excess operating costs and reengineered management services to build a patient-focused system with a patient satisfaction rating in the top 1% in the nation. Through the intense focus on providing excellent service, physician satisfaction soared as well. From 2004 through 2006, Professional Research Consultants recognized Sacred Heart with Top Performer awards and four 5 Star awards. Under Ronstrom’s leadership, Sacred Heart continues its long tradition of community benefit services including providing care for those unable to pay. Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7. 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