Achieving the Perfect HIMSS DHI Score: A Conversation with Samsung Medical Center’s Digital Lead
The achievements of the Samsung Medical Center are well documented. From the world’s first Stage 7 performance for the HIMSS Infrastructure and Digital Imaging Models, to achieve a top score on the HIMSS Digital Health Indicator by 2022, the hospital has achieved milestone after milestone in digital health.
The latest achievement may be the most impressive yet: achieving a maximum score of 400 this year on the DHI, a tool that measures progress towards a digital health ecosystem.
Healthcare IT news recently spoke with Dr. Poong-Lyul Rhee, Chief Data and Digital Officer (CDO) at SMC and the leading force behind the hospital’s digital transformation. He highlighted his career in healthcare IT, the hospital’s philosophy and the role the HIMSS DHI and Maturity Models have played in improving the delivery of SMC’s healthcare services.
From doctor to health IT evangelist
Dr. Rhee received a medical doctorate from Seoul National University Graduate School in 1992 and began his career as a gastroenterologist at Samsung Medical Center. About eight years later, he became involved in the work of the hospital’s EMR committee and became familiar with how technology could impact care delivery.
From 2008 to 2011, he served as Director of Medical Information before taking on the mantle of CIO from 2013 to 2017. The latest feather in his cap is his appointment as CDO of SMC from 2021.
“In today’s era, technological developments are advancing at an astonishing pace, with new developments emerging every day. Effectively integrating these ever-changing technological shifts into our digital transformation journey is crucial to improving both the patient and professional experience of health care,” he said.
“Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the triple objectives of improving the healthcare experience (including quality and satisfaction), improving population health, and reducing per capita healthcare costs. As a medical professional, I contribute in this way to providing care for patients.”
Travel to DHI score of 400
“Summarizing the countless experiences that have led us to this point in just a few words has its limitations,” explains Dr. Rhee out. “It takes countless stories.”
He said the most critical aspect of the hospital’s journey is its focus on results, which requires clear strategic planning and steadfast leadership from the board of directors.
At staff level, sharing a vision on driving digital transformation is essential.
“It’s about building a cohesive team, moving in a unified direction and promoting teamwork, he said. “Step by step, by celebrating small successes together, we will gain new momentum and keep moving forward.”
As the hospital embarked on this path, using the HIMSS models felt natural, with SMC’s digital transformation efforts over the past thirty years closely aligned with the concepts of the HIMSS DHI and Maturity models.
In addition to achieving a DHI score of 400, the hospital was the first hospital in the world to reach Phase 7 for four HIMSS Maturity Models.
“(Today’s medicine) requires the use of IT for the progress of humanity. In particular, it should effectively facilitate the treatment of patients and contribute to their health and well-being,” he emphasized.
“Samsung Medical Center has been committed to these goals from the beginning and I believe the HIMSS DHI is the most appropriate assessment framework to follow.
“I believe the shared corporate identity between Samsung Medical Center and HIMSS is not merely a coincidence. Rather, it reflects a fundamental alignment at the DNA level. As a result, our collective efforts have consistently delivered positive results within the HIMSS DHI and Maturity Models framework.
“Personally, I feel fortunate to dedicate my entire life to such efforts. Receiving a perfect DHI score from Samsung Medical Center fills me with boundless pride and honor.”