Costs and lack of collaboration hinder technology adoption, CAST study finds

High expenses and poor internal collaboration often sink provider efforts to implement new technology initiatives, according to a report from LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies.

Conversely, the 18 case studies in the report identified seven markers of success: a culture that values innovation, good champions, involved board directors, a willingness to outsource, a forward-looking information technology team, a take-charge approach and a commitment to clean up processes.

“These studies offer valuable insights to providers about implementing innovative technology-enabled care models,” said Majd Alwan, Ph.D., senior vice president at CAST.

Alwan noted that the report could help both long-term care and acute-care providers.

“These case studies can help acute care providers recognize how technology can help them better connect with long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) providers to coordinate and provide better care to their shared patients, thereby preventing hospital readmissions and the subsequent penalties,” Alwan added.

Each study in “Preparing for the Future: Developing Technology-Enabled Long-Term Services and Supports for a New Population of Older Adults reveals provider insights. The report also examines how using diverse technologies can enhance care while reducing costs.