Information Technology

Healthcare information technology has not saved hospitals money, report says

November 23, 2009

Despite claims of significant cost savings, so far implementation of healthcare information technology in hospitals "hasn't saved a dime," according to a new report from researchers at Harvard Medical School.
 

State privacy laws could be slowing electronic medical record adoption

July 14, 2009

The call for widespread adoption of electronic medical records has prompted some states to pass stringent privacy laws to protect their residents against fraud or identity theft. But a new analysis finds these laws seem to significantly diminish the effectiveness of the new technology.
 

Electronic health records timeline in stimulus bill could be unrealistic, senior health IT official says

May 19, 2009

Lawmakers might have underestimated how long it would take the healthcare industry to implement new healthcare information technology when setting a timeline for its adoption under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, one prominent healthcare official says.
 

TWO DAYS AND COUNTING: Expo session on IT comes on heels of naming of new national health information technology coordinator

March 23, 2009

Long-term care providers are liable to hear the name David Blumenthal, M.D., a lot in the coming months and years if all goes as planned at the Department of Health and Human Services. On Friday, HHS named Blumenthal the new national coordinator for health information technology.
 

How to do it: implementing IT solutions

March 01, 2009

New information technology products are vital, but they are seldom inexpensive. That makes it critical for providers, who are typically saddled with tight budgets, to learn how to implement new IT products as economically as possible. Experts advise how providers on a tight budget can make the most of what they have.
 

Economic stimulus package offers funds for IT, housing

Liza Berger March 01, 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which the president signed into law last month, provides desired funding for long-term care providers.
 

Obama: Economic recovery package should include funds for IT

January 09, 2009

President-elect Barack Obama Thursday outlined plans for an economic recovery package that includes funding to improve healthcare information technology.
 

Study: Internet stimulates the elderly brain

November 04, 2008

The Internet contains many important things--instantaneous communication, unlimited access to information and the often-honored McKnight's Web site (www.mcknights.com), among them. But researchers at UCLA have discovered there may be other bonuses for Web-savvy seniors: It also might stimulate brain function and improve cognitive ability.
 

Studies find 'minimal' use of IT in nursing homes

April 08, 2008

Scrutiny of information technology use in nursing homes has been put under a new microscope and the findings are not pretty, researchers say.
 

Information technology only works if staff is adequately trained

Julie Williamson April 01, 2008

Developing a technologically savvy workforce is the secret to a facility's success when it comes to upgrading systems
 

No time like the present to grab mouse by the horns

James Berklan April 01, 2008

It's April. Do you know where your year has gone? That's not entirely a rhetorical question because even if your fiscal year isn't nearing an end, you could have reason to be feeling a squeeze.
 

EXPO DAY 2: IT, unions on final day's program

March 27, 2008

The last day of the McKnight's Online Expo will begin this morning with a discussion of how long-term care providers can use information technology to their financial advantage.
 

Report: Medication mismanagement leading to nursing home stays

March 11, 2008

Up to half of all seniors will mismanage at least one of their medications, which can account for "about 23 percent of nursing home admissions," according to a new analysis in the Baltimore Sun.
 

Leaders say full e-prescribing could be around the corner

March 10, 2008

The full implementation of e-prescribing technology could come within three years, according to one of its foremost proponents. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich declared that possibility last week when he joined and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) for the introduction of a bill designed to stimulate the adoption of e-prescribing.
 

Malpractice caps, required EHRs part of Bush Medicare proposal

February 20, 2008

Forced by a mandate in the 2003 Medicare law, the Bush administration has proposed caps for noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits and a mandate for providers to use electronic health records.
 

Tech toys

January 30, 2008

The nation's top lawmakers are learning more about new monitoring, personal health record and brain fitness technologies for seniors during a special briefing and demonstration today.Senators from the Special Committee on Aging; the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee; and the Medical Technology Caucus are hosting the event to discuss and explore what type of support is needed to promote technological advances that can help our nation's aging population.
 

It's about time

January 30, 2008

Staying on top of the latest products, services and industry trends can be a time-devouring pursuit. But the job just became less time consuming, thanks to our new Web site. Eldercare pros can find many time-saving options. These include a substantially enhanced Directory that makes it easier to locate needed services, plus videos of important suppliers. The latest job openings are also available, as well as immediate access to our Career Guide. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our new site. We think you'll find it's time well spent.
 

An IT essential

Julie Williamson December 01, 2007

When it comes to protecting information technology, asset management is not an optional task, technology experts say