Benefit analysis of administrative and clinical computerization of a large transplant center.

Purpose: To evaluate the implementation of a computer system that fully integrates all activities of a transplant center and coordinates secure, live data across the continuum of care.

Methods: Our center implemented a comprehensive patient tracking solution customized at each point of patient entry. Benefits were measured by provider, patient, and staff feedback; time study; and retrospective cost analysis.

Results: Computerization of each patient file maintained current clinical information, which facilitated patient monitoring, expeditious evaluations and listings, marketing, automated correspondence, and regulatory reporting. Enhanced data have allowed for clinical analysis, which has improved outcomes. Data availability has promoted consistency in negotiations with commercial insurers to ensure profitability. Research capacity has been increased through standardized budgets, time study, and cost analysis and has facilitated patient recruitment.

Conclusion: The need to integrate information is vital for data accuracy and integrity. Data integration has maximized performance, profitability, and accuracy while decreasing administrative time and costs.