Nursing homes continue to slog their way toward the industry standard in computer-to-computer data exchange.
After surveying post-acute care provider partners to gauge progress toward industry interoperability, MatrixCare unearthed some disappointing trends. One of the whoppers was a finding that fax machines remain the dominant means of receiving patient referral data among 28% of providers — far ahead of email (11%) and electronic data feed (14%).
That’s not to say providers themselves don’t want to change. A clear majority (86%) told MatrixCare they were disappointed with their inability to receive patient referral information digitally, while slightly less (71%) expressed a belief that such capabilities are “very important.”
Meanwhile, many partners have expressed frustration with LTC providers over the issue. Most of the complaints centered on response times, communication breakdowns and receiving confirmations.
Still, those close to the issue are hopeful.
“We have seen tremendous growth in the use of interoperable solutions in long-term care over the course of the past five years,” says Nick Knowlton, vice president of strategic initiatives for ResMed Saas, parent company of MatrixCare. “From referral management to providing patient updates to other care settings and on to connected care for the patient and their family members, interoperability uptake in long-term care has increased dramatically.”
Other positives include improved “purpose-built” technology solutions and emerging interoperable and connected solutions. Knowlton notes 79% of providers say they intend to invest more in interoperable technologies in the coming year. Still, obstacles continue to dog positive efforts.
“Regardless of care setting, information needs to move bi-directionally, and the long-term care sector is an important piece of this puzzle,” said Bill Chartnetski, executive vice president of Health System Solutions and Government Affairs at PointClickCare. “Funding the proper investments to combat ongoing hurdles, such as limited interoperability in an era where facilities are short-staffed and recovering from peak pandemic challenges, will be key.”
From the September 2023 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
