Centers Health Care

Heidi Hendrix

Introduction

While nothing can ever replace human touch and in-person care in the world of facility-based Elder Care, advancements in technology have accorded providers and care givers more insight, knowledge and rapid feedback regarding their patient and the ability to deliver quality and personalized care in a safe home-like environment. Health informatics, being profoundly integrated with technology and electronic medical records in the skilled nursing setting, is a huge evolution in the clinical arena and one that facilitates countless advances in quality care and treatment. Today’s electronic health systems allow for speedy information transfers, amalgamated and efficient care. Technology advances in the eldercare setting continue to skyrocket with the upper limit not foreseen in the near future.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine continues to evolve for the elderly population and is particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to health-related services is lacking. Patients utilize a computer, tablet or phone to instantly connect with a provider. Cost savings with the telemedicine approach are significant and quality of life is improved by not having to leave the home-like setting.

“There continues to be a rising demand for mobile technology and innovative mobile solutions in nursing homes”

Remote monitoring tools are often utilized by the telehealth practitioner and this allows facilities to care for complex patients that may need a visit consultation more frequently. Wearable medical devices are often used via the tele-medicine approach and collect data and provide alerts about serious medical issues. This affords physicians and patients alike to monitor and assess health risks and benefits, allowing the patient to remain in a comfortable setting.

Electronic Medical Record System

Electronic Medical Record or EMR systems have created huge strides in efficiency and centralization of patient information. They are also used as a data outcomes and  population health tool. Integrating systems into a single structured patient platform, allows more integrated and efficient care for patients. EMR systems incorporate innovative technology to detect medication errors, allergies, contraindications, over dose alerts and other security features to ensure care is delivered safely. EMR’s allow practitioners to analyze patterns, trends and anomalies. Today’s EMR systems permit health information exchange with hospitals so patient data is easily available to the skilled nursing setting and provides seamless transitions and efficiencies with care delivery.

Apps for Mobile Devices

Mobile health interventions are used to promote person-centered care and resident-centered care. There continues to be a rising demand for mobile technology and innovative mobile solutions in nursing homes. Mobile technology is used to support care management, facilitate communication, and overcome barriers. Mobile health apps are innovative, cost-effective, available in text, sound, touch, and images and facilitate effective communication. Communication apps support linguistic barriers during activities of daily living, prevent communication breakdowns, and support information sharing. There are a host of apps available in elder care to improve overall care. For example, call light apps allow voice communication between residents and staff. Apps allow physicians to sign their prescription orders on a mobile device expediting medication delivery. What’s more is that apps allow sharing of resident data, alerts, images to expedite care delivery and services. Mobile apps distribute Electronic Health Records(HER) info directly to the caregivers facilitating timely care coordination and treatment. Industry leading integrated mobile technology allows for resident satisfaction and service, caregiver retention, and promotes more efficient care-coordination.

Conclusion

Technology access in the elder care setting that is simple and seamless is a priority. Innovative future care delivery models must continue as mobile and digital technologies are a part of everyday lives so extending throughout the healthcare system is paramount. Health systems must continue to modernize and advance with a digital foundation that complements the electronic health system and this requires exploring digital transformation that will address patient needs, improve patient experiences, and reduce burden on the nursing workforce.