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Chicago, September 20, 2017 – The ���������� Association (AHA) and AVIA today announced the release of a report summarizing the results of a first-of-its kind survey on the state of digital innovation within hospitals and health systems. The AHA joined AVIA, the nation’s leading network for health systems seeking to innovate and transform by unlocking the power of digital, to conduct the 2017 survey to understand the current state of digital innovation priorities, activities, and barriers across a wide range of provider organizations.

More than 300 hospital executives, including CEOs and other innovation leaders, responded to the survey. Seventy-five percent of those respondents believe that digital innovation is important because of its connection to long-term strategy and competitive differentiation. However, respondents also report that significant barriers to innovation remain, including resources, funding and operational capacity.

Three out of four survey respondents say they believe that digital innovation must include partnering with other innovative organizations. Comments from executives also reveal a desire for thought leadership about innovative examples, best practices and metrics.

The survey results indicate areas of importance where hospitals have already invested in digital innovation, including benefits management, operational efficiency and primary care delivery. Priorities for future investment according the survey, are patient-generated data and customized services; network utilization and management; and referral management and in-network retention.

“It’s clear that hospitals recognize and embrace the importance of digital innovation,” said Maryjane Wurth, the AHA’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Our hope is that by collecting and sharing this data about their aspirations, priorities and challenges we can accelerate the pace of change in the field.”

“Successfully scaling innovation is a strategic imperative, and these survey results crack the code,” said Eric Langshur, CEO and co-founder of AVIA. “We now know that top performers share traits that allow them to accelerate innovation 52% faster than average organizations, shortening time to impact by a full year. It’s never been more essential or accessible to take action.”

The AHA and AVIA digital innovation survey executive report is available for free download from .

About the ���������� Association (AHA)

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, who include nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. Visit www.aha.org to learn more.

About AVIA

AVIA leads a network of health systems working together to innovate and transform. AVIA Innovator Network members solve pressing challenges with digital solutions that deliver financial and clinical results. AVIA provides strategic focus and a collaborative approach to accelerate innovation. Learn more at . Follow us on and .

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About the AHA

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at www.aha.org.