Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS)was identified as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems™ according to an independent quality analysis by PINC AI™, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), in partnership with Fortune magazine. SJHS was ranked #4 in the category of Top Small Health Systems.

To create the list, PINC AI™ conducted an objective, quantitative analysis of publicly available data to identify the top health systems in the U.S. The primary purpose of the PINC AI™ 15 Top Health Systems™ study is to inspire hospital and health system leaders to pursue higher performance and deliver added value to their patients and communities. The quantitative study is based on a balanced scorecard which consists of a variety of measurements distributed across four pillars: clinical, financial, operational and patient experience. Health systems do not apply for the 15 Top Health Systems selection process.

Based on the data analyzed, it is estimated that, if all health systems performed at the same level as winners like SJHS, more than 200,000 additional lives could have been saved and more than 177,000 additional patients could have been complication free for the 2023 study year.

“Patient care is at the heart of our Core Values and guides us in everything we do to be a healing presence within our communities. This recognition from Fortune and PINC AI highlights the value of our vital work and demonstrates the quality of care we provide,” said Kathryn Park, MD, SJHS Chief Medical Officer

15 Top Health Systems™ program performance

This year, based on comparisons between the study winners and a peer group of similar health systems that were not winners, the analysis found that the winners of the 15 Top Health Systems™program delivered better outcomes while operating more efficiently and at a lower cost. Compared to non-winning health systems, this year’s winners had:

  • 21 percent fewer deaths than non-winning health systems.
  • 5 percent fewer patients with complications.
  • 21 percent fewer healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
  • 0.5-day shorter average length of stay.
  • Better reported patient experience scores, with a top-box Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) score of 74 percent versus 69.6 percent for non-winning hospitals.

“Health system leaders are continuously focused on quality, excellence and patient-centered care,” said Leigh Anderson, Premier’s Chief Operating Officer and the leader of PINC AI™. “A selection as one of the 15 Top Health Systems™ is a great honor and demonstrates the importance of health system leadership and proven strategies for improvement. As one of the 15 Top Health Systems™, Saint Joseph Health System has achieved high-quality healthcare and the implementation of key strategies that have directly led to significantly improved patient outcomes, with fewer readmissions and complications.”