Image of nurses' hands at computer keyboard

PointClickCare released its latest version of an ePrescribing and Physician Encounters line at the AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care conference in March.

The Practitioner Engagement Solution allows physicians and nurse practitioners to electronically prescribe from a mobile device. Mobile devices and electronic records have not only reduced clinicians’ use of outdated “paper-based” processes, but also the potential for negative behaviors, such as “copycat charting,” according to Terri Weckle, senior vice president of Strategic Products with PointClickCare.

The embedded capabilities of the company’s Secure Conversations and Practitioner Engagement tool will make interactions between on-site staff and remote practitioners more efficient and timely, she told McKnight’s. These practitioners often are away from the facility and need to be able to discuss changes in resident condition, care plans and new information.

“Instead of playing telephone tag, the care providers can easily exchange secure, HIPAA-compliant text messages,” she said. “In addition, practitioners can readily access the complete history of the resident through the Practitioner Engagement application, including any important vitals, orders and/or progress notes.”

Understanding a change in condition faster can lead to earlier intervention. 

“This can often lead to better care outcomes, including avoiding unnecessary resident transfers to acute care facilities,” she said.  

The system “moves the needle in the right direction,” said Matthew Wayne, M.D., chief medical officer at CommuniCare Family of Companies.

“Mobile tools and strategies play a significant role in the way care is delivered, creating efficiencies for the physician, the care provider and the facility as a whole,” he said. 

PointClickCare developed the solution through working with an advisory group of practitioners, Weckle said. The tool debuted last year. The update lets users remotely enter Progress notes and ePrescribe non-controlled substances.