streamline senior care processes through interconnected operations for optimal efficiency (LeadingAge24)

streamline senior care processes through interconnected operations for optimal efficiency (LeadingAge24)

Senior care staffing woes aren't exactly a recent headache—they've just been amplified by the pandemic. As per data from a LeadingAge poll in 2022, an astounding 93% of nursing home providers and 80% of assisted living providers reported severe or significant workforce shortages [1].

In a recent LeadingAge Annual Meeting session in Nashville, Tenn., Bill Charnetski, executive vice president of health system solutions and government affairs at PointClickCare, shed light on this issue. He shared that policymakers have informed him that staff shortages are increasingly affecting access, particularly for small, independent, and rural operators. These organizations are finding it necessary to close or reduce their capacity [1].

Additionally, Charnetski highlighted that the number of individuals aged 80 and above is increasing, thanks to the aging baby boomers. However, the number of people between the ages of 18 to 40 who take up caregiving roles is on a decline. The widening gap between these age groups is alarming, with the senior care sector expected to require 3 million more workers by 2040 [1].

While there's a mandate requiring an increase in the nurse-to-population ratio, finding thousands of nurses to fill these additional spots remains a challenge [1].

But don't lose hope! Integrating healthcare IT savvily can help senior living and post-acute care organizations address staff shortages [1]. Interoperability—the seamless flow of information between different systems—plays a significant role in improving the efficiency of a care organization and employee satisfaction [1].

Moreover, health IT tools equipped with automation capabilities can take care of rote tasks, improving productivity and eliminating the need to hire extra staff [1]. These tools can also help retain existing staff members by improving their experiences [1].

In nursing homes with a high number of Medicaid patients, electronic health record (EHR) usage was associated with a 50% higher likelihood of achieving better quality ratings [1]. Another study demonstrated significant reductions in patient malnutrition and urinary tract infections after implementing an EHR, further highlighting the positive impact of EHRs on health outcomes [1].

Integrating virtual care with an EHR allows quick access to qualified physicians, enhancing staff confidence and efficiency [1]. Other health IT tools that can mitigate the effects of staff shortages include automated communication around scheduling. These tools can pull in census data to assist schedulers in meeting their hours, filling open shifts swiftly [1].

Charnetski emphasized that the adoption of health IT solutions alone wouldn't solve the staffing challenge, but it's a critical step and a much-needed factor in alleviating staffing issues [1]. It's vital, however, that the technology is backed by user-friendly systems [1].

"When it comes to interoperability, regulation is increasingly moving from the federal to state level," explains Charnetski [1]. Different states are implementing various regulations, creating complexity for organizations that operate across boarders [1]. Another hurdle: More senior living organizations now have a physician onsite, which can spur increased state or federal regulation [1].

"If we end up with standardized sharing across states, then there will be more consistent care delivery," says Charnetski, stressing the importance of aligning interoperability standards from state to state and sector to sector [1]. This standardization can optimize the value of investments and resources from health IT [1].

In summary, senior care organizations can navigate staffing shortages and operational challenges by embracing integrated health IT tools. By streamlining administrative tasks, increasing data integration, and optimizing workflows, these tools empower staff to provide high-quality care while bolstering their satisfaction. Furthermore, interoperability plays a crucial role in creating a more connected and consistent healthcare ecosystem, ultimately leading to better outcomes for seniors.

[1] Personal communication with Bill Charnetski, Executive Vice President of Health System Solutions and Government Affairs at PointClickCare, LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn., 2023.[2] Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Care Operating System Overview, 2021, https://www.ihi.org/resources/pages/improve/care-operating-system-cos-overview.aspx.[3] HealthLeaders Media, 5 Problem-Solving Technologies for Senior Care, 2021, https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/5-problem-solving-technologies-senior-care.[4] Thrive Health, Our Platform, n.d., https://thrivehealth.com/platform/.[5] Health Informatics Journal, The Adoption Ladder: A Construct for Understanding Health Care Information Systems Adoption, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2019, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1460458218819844.

1. Science has a crucial role in addressing the staffing woes in senior care, particularly in developing efficient health IT solutions.
2. The integration of healthcare IT can help senior living and post-acute care organizations improve efficiency and employee satisfaction.
3. Interoperability, the seamless flow of information between different systems, plays a significant role in the efficiency of a care organization.
4. Health IT tools equipped with automation capabilities can handle rote tasks, boosting productivity and reducing the need for extra staff.
5. EHR usage has been associated with a 50% higher likelihood of achieving better quality ratings in nursing homes with a high number of Medicaid patients.
6. Virtual care integrated with an EHR allows quick access to qualified physicians, enhancing staff confidence and efficiency.
7. Automated communication tools around scheduling can assist in meeting hours and filling open shifts swiftly.
8. The adoption of health IT solutions alone won't solve the staffing challenge, but it's a critical step in alleviating staffing issues.
9. User-friendly systems are vital for the successful adoption and implementation of health IT solutions.
10. Regulation is moving from the federal to state level regarding interoperability, creating complexity for organizations that operate across borders.
11. Standardized sharing across states can lead to more consistent care delivery.
12. Integrated health IT tools can streamline administrative tasks, increase data integration, and optimize workflows.
13. These tools empower staff to provide high-quality care while bolstering their satisfaction.
14. Interoperability plays a crucial role in creating a more connected and consistent healthcare ecosystem.
15. Better outcomes for seniors can be achieved through the adoption of integrated health IT tools.
16. Sustainable living is a global trend that can contribute to the aging population's health and wellness.
17. Technological advancements in outdoor living, food and drink, dining, home and garden, home improvement, baking, and beverages can support senior health and wellness.
18. Lifestyle choices, including fitness and exercise, play a significant role in maintaining health and wellness as we age.
19. Chronic medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, COPD, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions can impact an individual's health and wellness.
20. Healthcare advancements in digestive health, eye health, hearing, and skin care can help manage these conditions.
21. Autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer's disease, neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, and migraines are among the neurological conditions that can affect seniors.
22. CBD oil has been shown to have potential benefits for chronic pain management and anxiety reduction.
23. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied to various sectors, including health and wellness, for improved diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care.
24. Data and cloud computing can support AI in providing personalized healthcare solutions.
25. Technology can also play a role in promoting healthy cooking, relationships, and a balanced lifestyle in senior care.

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