The Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has set a groundbreaking precedent as the first hospital in Malaysia to achieve Stage 6 EMRAM (Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model) validation from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). This international accreditation highlights IJN’s leadership in healthcare digitalization and its commitment to using advanced technology to enhance patient care and safety

The EMRAM model is a eight-stage framework designed to measure the adoption and utilization of electronic medical record (EMR) systems in healthcare facilities. Hospitals achieving Stage 6 demonstrate exceptional capabilities in utilizing EMR systems to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Stage 6 hospitals like IJN are recognized for their significant executive commitment and investment in digital healthcare transformation. Key milestones include implementing nearly fully automated electronic medical records with a controlled medical vocabulary, real-time integration of medical devices, technology enabled closed loop administration and clinical decision support to enhance medical decisions. This enables advanced data analytics to drive care process improvements, aligning with medical staff to optimize patient safety through health IT, and sharing actionable electronic health data with stakeholders such as insurers, regulators, and patients.

“We are proud to reach EMRAM Stage 6, a milestone that reflects the hard work and dedication of our team to advancing patient care,” said Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Chief Executive Officer of IJN. “This achievement reflects our strategic investments in technology and innovation. It not only marks a milestone for IJN but sets an example for other institutions in Malaysia and beyond, demonstrating that digital transformation can improve patient safety, streamline clinical workflows, and support healthcare providers in delivering high-quality care”, he added.

Healthcare digitalization is not just a technological upgrade; it fundamentally transforms how hospitals deliver care. At IJN, the adoption of advanced EMR systems enhances patient safety by minimizing human errors, streamlining clinical workflows, and enabling real-time data access for better decision-making. This milestone positions IJN as a beacon of innovation in the healthcare industry, showcasing the tangible benefits of embracing technology.

Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr Alwi Mohamed Yunus, Clinical Director of Health Informatics and Head, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, IJN added, “While we celebrate this achievement, our journey continues. We are already aiming for EMRAM Stage 7 validation by 2025, which will enable us to deliver even more comprehensive care and maximize the value of our data for improved outcomes and operations.”

Building on this achievement, IJN is now focused on further elevating its digital capabilities to achieve EMRAM Stage 7. Key initiatives include launching an updated version of the IJNCare app, which makes it easier for patients to manage their appointments, admissions, and medications refills. Also in the pipeline for IJNCare include integrating wearable devices for home monitoring, allowing patients to track their health and connect virtually with their care providers.

The hospital is also expanding its advanced monitoring systems to more clinical areas, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment and oversight. Additionally, IJN is leveraging data analytics to identify trends and enhance care, aiming for smoother hospital operations and better patient outcomes. These strategic steps are part of IJN’s commitment to providing safer, higher-quality care for all patients.