Marquis Health Services in New Jersey built a web portal and Business Intelligence system that interfaces with each part of its organization. The team’s efforts landed it the Gold Award as Innovator of the Year in the McKnight’s Technology Awards (Skilled Care track).

The goal was to manage every aspect of operations, said former Marquis Director of Business Analytics Ken Berger.

“What makes our BI solution so unique is that everything is focused from an operator’s perspective,” he told McKnight’s. “There is no data for data’s sake. Every analysis is meant to answer a question or solve a problem that we deal with on a regular basis.”

2018 McKnight’s Technology Awards


Features of the system include detailed analysis and trend reports, plus dynamic visualizations and email alerts. The system has been spun off into its own company, SNF Metrics, of which Berger is the chief operating officer. Apps such as a referral calculator, budget tool and grievance tracker are featured in the system.

“The Business Intelligence Dashboard exists because of the dedication to excellence shared across our entire organization. This award is a testament to their efforts,” added Norman Rokeach, LNHA, the CEO of Marquis Health Services.

In the Training category, Michigan-based Caretel Inns of America won Gold for redesigning the employee onboarding process to incorporate technology for training new employees.  The system was designed by the organization and uses Google Drive/Google Forms.

“The thing that makes me the most proud is what the new generation is coming into the workforce and what they are looking for,” Vice President of Innovation and Operations Stephanie Hildebrant told McKnight’s. “They are looking for more empowerment. Our hope is that this would respond to those needs.”

Hildebrant and her administrative assistant built the system, which Caretel Inns has been using for eight months.

Other winners announced Thursday:

-Ocean Healthcare Network, based in Lakewood, NJ,  won Silver in the Innovator of the Year category for its use of the TripleCare telemedicine system. The Ocean Healthcare Network facilities that implemented TripleCare “have realized a significant reduction in ER visits and unnecessary hospitalizations, as patients are increasingly treated in place,” the provider said.  

-ABCM Corporation in Hampton, IA, won Innovator Bronze for its use of the Tapestry Telehealth PLCC platform for telemedicine.

-In the Training category, Legacy Healthcare Services in Raleigh, NC, won a Silver for using digital badges. Leaders and managers within Legacy Healthcare Services can use their digital badge to demonstrate knowledge about clinical programming, and staff may choose to earn digital badges as they develop a specific skill set early in their career. Badge viewers can click on the icon to determine the badge title, badge issue, the badge earner’s skill set, as well as the requirements to earn the badge.

-Far Rockaway Nursing Center in Far Rockaway, NY, won Bronze in Training for using the STOP & WATCH system. This allows auxiliary staff to document a change in resident condition immediately.

The McKnight’s Tech Awards winners are being announced every day this week, with Skilled Nursing in the McKnight’s Daily Update and Senior Care in the McKnight’s Senior Living Daily Briefing. Stanley Healthcare is this year’s Platinum Sponsor, with Gold-level support from Netsmart (Skilled) and MatrixCare (Senior Care).

Read about Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s winners.