Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia – IRCCS has achieved a Stage 7 validation from HIMSS on the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, becoming the first and only hospital in Italy to reach the highest level of maturity on the globally recognized digital health adoption model. 

EMRAM Stage 7 represents the highest maturity of electronic medical record adoption, demonstrating an organization’s ability to leverage advanced digital systems to support high-quality, safe and efficient patient care. 

“On the digital front, we have long been carrying out a series of IT investments that are yielding excellent results,” said Dr. Davide Fornaciari, general director of Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia – IRCCS. “Thanks to a team of skilled professionals with strong vision, we are extremely pleased to receive this recognition, which strengthens the path undertaken by the organization to establish in Reggio Emilia a hub of expertise and research in digital health.”

Reggio Emilia adopted the EMRAM framework early in its evolution in Europe, using the maturity model to guide strategic planning and the progressive development of a robust, value-based digital ecosystem.

The organization is also designing a digital health hub intended to serve as a regional and national reference point, as well as a testbed for new technologies developed by local innovators. 

“Seeing our clinicians explain with strong competence how digital systems support their everyday work and bring value to patients truly gives meaning to our efforts as healthcare IT professionals,” said regional president Marco Foracchia.

During the validation process, HIMSS evaluators highlighted the organization’s culture of collaboration and transparency. “This culture is one of their greatest strengths, and it was evident in every session,” said Mariam Shokralla, a HIMSS digital health strategist.

With its EMRAM Stage 7 validation, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia – IRCCS joins a foremost group of global healthcare organizations demonstrating how advanced digital capabilities can support clinicians, strengthen operations and deliver value to patients.