IBM Watson Health: Saint Alphonsus ranks top 15 in nation

The Boise-headquartered Saint Alphonsus Health System has been named one of the top 15 health systems in the United States by IBM Watson Health.

The rankings in the yearly study of U.S. health care issued by IBM Watson Health are considered by many to be the most prestigious in the country. Every year, this respected study analyzes system metrics from publicly-available data sources that examine clinical, operational and patient perceptions of care at more than 300 health systems across the country. Key performance measures that IBM Watson Health considers include inpatient and extended care quality, operational efficiency, financial health and patient experience.

“This recognition from IBM Watson Health is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and compassion of every colleague in our health system,” said Odette Bolano, president and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System. “We are proud of the work we do every day to be a trusted partner in health care and wellness for our communities in Idaho and Oregon.”

This year’s IBM Watson Health’s study found, among other findings, that the highest-performing health systems had lower inpatient mortality and fewer patient complications. It also had greater compliance following influenza immunization protocols, had lower 30-day readmission rates, provided faster emergency care, and scored higher on patient ratings of their overall hospital experience.

“Especially during these challenging times, to be recognized as one of the Top 15 Health Systems in the country is gratifying,” Bolano remarked in a news release on June 30. “We have consistently challenged our colleagues to look for innovative ways to deliver health care more efficiently, more safely and with a greater emphasis on the patient experience. This acknowledgment affirms that we’re moving in the right direction.”

Saint Alphonsus is a faith-based Catholic ministry and a not-for-profit health care provider. The Saint Alphonsus Medical Center, founded in 1894 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, was the first hospital in Boise. Today, it is the only Level II Trauma Center in the region.

The Saint Alphonsus Health System has facilities in southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada, including Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise; Saint Alphonsus Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise, a joint venture with Encompass Health; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Nampa; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Ontario, Oregon; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City, Oregon; and Saint Alphonsus Medical Group with primary and specialty care providers at over 70 clinic locations, all of which are members of the Saint Alphonsus Health Alliance, a network of over 2,100 employed and independent providers. The entire Saint Alphonsus system, including the Health Alliance, employs over 5,000 staff and associates in three states.

Saint Alphonsus is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation. Trinity Health operates in 22 states, with 94 hospitals and 122 continuing care facilities, home health and hospice programs and PACE center locations.

This year’s IBM Watson Health Study is available for download to the public at no cost at the IBM corporate website.