WellSpan Health has been honored with two awards from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), recognizing the system’s groundbreaking efforts in health care innovation as well as operational excellence at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital. The annual HAP Achievement Awards spotlight hospitals and health systems that are leading the way in innovation, creativity and patient care. This year, WellSpan has been selected for its innovative use of artificial intelligence as well as its approach to optimizing hospital throughput – a concept in which a health system can streamline patient flow throughout the care process. It’s part of WellSpan’s commitment to ensuring a positive patient experience.

Workforce Innovators Award: Advancing health care delivery through purposeful AI innovation

WellSpan received the Workforce Innovators Award for pioneering efforts to support and engage team members through the strategic integration of artificial intelligence in health care. 

"Our team's industry-leading use of AI is transforming the way we provide care. We are sourcing and creating this technology through a lens of how it can benefit our patients and our team members. Innovation impact is about improving experiences for both, and when we do, it benefits the bottom line, " said Mark Kandrysawtz, senior vice president and chief innovation officer, WellSpan Health. "We are honored to receive this recognition and are committed to continuing our efforts to advance healthcare through the combination of people, processes and technology."

WellSpan implemented a comprehensive approach to integrating AI across the system. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, WellSpan has been able to improve patient outcomes and enhanced operational efficiencies all while addressing industry-wide staffing challenges. The implementation was designed to ensure seamless integration, sustainability and measurable impact across key areas, including nursing care delivery, diagnostic imaging, clinical documentation and patient engagement.

Optimal Operations Award: Optimizing hospital throughput

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital was also recognized by HAP in the Optimal Operations category for efforts to streamline processes to provide the best possible care for patients in Lebanon County.

"We are incredibly proud of the team at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital for its dedication and innovative approach to improving patient flow as we know these actions are taken with an eye toward improving the patient’s overall experience," said Dr. Michael Seim, senior vice president and chief quality officer, WellSpan Health. "This award is a testament to our team members’ hard work and commitment to providing the highest quality care for our patients."

The initiative is part of WellSpan’s ongoing strategic efforts to reduce a patient’s length of stay. Delays and inefficient discharge processes from hospital units can significantly hinder throughput, particularly affecting the emergency department. Extended emergency department stays increase potential risks, such as infection. WellSpan’s actions provide a solution for this systemic problem.
The team at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital took a cohesive and deliberate approach to improve culture and processes when it comes to the concept of throughput. The focus was on expediting discharges and enhancing patient transitions for ill patients. The project successfully reduced barriers, fostered innovation and resulted in significant improvements in patient flow, safety and satisfaction. 

To learn more about WellSpan’s quality and safety initiatives, visit WellSpan.org/Quality. 

To learn more about HAP’s Awards, visit HAPOnline.org.