Chapter 17Technology in Long-Term Care

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and define potential applications of an information technology system

2. Discuss issues dealing with privacy and access to information

3. Understand how technology can benefit long-term care providers, consumers, and the system as a whole

Learning Objectives (continued)

4. Identify barriers to the successful use of information technology

5. Identify and define options for acquiring and using information technology

Introduction

 Technology is becoming ever more important to long-term care

 The ways in which technology can be used in long-term care fall into two broad categories: applied technology and health information technology (HIT)

Applied Technology

 Artificial functioning Remote monitoring/telehealth Emergency notification Telemedicine

Health Information Technology

Applications: Clinical Administrative Strategic support Networking Systemwide

Clinical Applications

 Admission, assessment, care planning Consumer safety• Scheduling and tracking ancillary

services Record keeping Quality measurement

Administrative Applications

 Staffing Financial

management

Strategic Support Applications

 Planning Operational decision making Performance measurement Marketing

Networking Applications

 Involvement in integrated health systems

 Coordination of information Patient scheduling Managed care contracting

Systemwide Applications

 Electronic health records• Automated patient records• Personal health records

 Quality measurement and improvement Consumer information and education

Privacy Concerns and HIPAA

 Encourages use of information technology in transactions

 Protects the privacy of consumers’ health information

 Creates standards governing electronic transfer of information

Cyber Security

 IT systems are vulnerable More systemwide applications

increase vulnerability Information losses could be

catastrophic Need to be proactive

Benefits of HIT

 For the long-term care system For providers For consumers

Barriers to Use of HIT

 Lack of commitment Lack of understanding Financial investment Need to upgrade old technology Changing operational systems Obtaining HIT expertise

Options for Acquiring HIT

 In-house development Purchasing software Outsourcing

Guidelines for Selecting a Vendor

1. Analyze the business requirements2. Conduct a vendor search3. Request proposals and quotes 4. Evaluate vendor proposals and

make a vendor selection 5. Negotiate a contract

Summary

Technology, particularly HIT, has become

indispensable to the successful operation of

long-term care organizations, and it will

become even more so in the future.