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January 2012
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Adding Life to Years
Technology and the Future of Health Care
Our country’s health care system is coming of age. Through the Affordable Care Act – the health reform law, our government is making a significant investment in bringing health care information, medical records, and other medical/ health information into electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR). Information technology is booming in the health field and we all can significantly benefit from the results.
Some examples include the tremendous ease of accessing medical records from one facility to another. Medical and health information sharing between hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health, and the primary care or special physicians in the community is greatly enhanced. Even mismanagement of prescription medications, which is the leading cause of being re-hospitalized after a discharge (20% of all hospital discharges end up back in the hospital within 30 days), can be curtailed through increased communication between providers through electronic record sharing and technology. The technology is there. We just need to design it and use it.
The information-technology wave is even hitting nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and residents are starting to enjoy the ride. In fact, facilities are beginning to encourage residents’ personal interest in technology as part of the effort to improve their health and lives.
As health information technology (HIT) has entered long-term care, a question has been whether it means anything to residents personally. Researchers who reported their results online this summer in the Journal of Aging and Health assessed nearly 800 nursing home residents before and after their facilities implemented HIT. Although 60 percent said they noticed no change and 7 percent said care had declined, 30 percent said that they felt the use of HIT had improved care, and 71 percent said that they believed that handheld devices that track and manage information are positive innovations. A majority said they were glad such devices were being used in their facilities. Many of us in health care settings are unaware of HIT and it is not surprising, since most of the action is backstage. HIT has and will dramatically improve patient and resident care. Astute patients, residents, or family may notice that they don’t need to repeat everything that happened at the hospital, or with the last shift or provider. Even details of a surgery or procedure are communicated effortlessly, even to the patient or family member that is interested. I am! I want to see my lab tests, x-rays, or even my physician notes. The more I am informed and aware of my conditions, the more I am empowered and able to self-manage. Don’t you want to know and take control of your own health?
As we become more comfortable with computers and technology in our own lives, we are more open to its uses to improved communication, documentation, and care. Of course, the simpler and easier to use, the better. Take for example the personal emergency response or medical alert system technology, such as Lifeline. Lifeline provides fast access to help by a family member or Emergency Medical Technician if a person falls. Lifeline’s AutoAlert can automatically call for help if the person is unconscious, disoriented, or immobilized. This technology can tell the difference between falling and normal activities such as sitting or lying down. If you want more information, contact me at the Center for Health Aging. It provides a tremendous peace of mind for the elder wearing it as well as the family and caregivers.
In addition, Lifeline has a Medication Dispensing service that is an automated system in the home that dispenses medications at pre-programmed times, helping reduce the potential risk of unplanned hospital and doctor visits due to incorrect medication use. The technology holds 40 doses of medications, gives the person a verbal and visual reminder and if not followed, contacts the appropriate caregivers. The Center for Healthy Aging also provides this service, contact me if you are interested in learning more or know someone that could benefit.
Getting people to start using technology is not easy, but once they do, the value can shine. With this in mind, a company has introduced “Connected Living”, a program that enables elder residents in long-term care settings to access a customized home page that offers e-mail, photo sharing, music, audio books, video conferences with family members, and notices about daily events and special activities. The program has been well received.
Just placing computers in communities and expecting residents to use them isn’t enough. By motivating residents to connect with their kids and grandchildren, technology becomes less intimidating.
Social engagement is an important element of health. Using technology and social media not only facilitate social connectiveness, but expose the users to health information and communication. This use of technology is a significant step that not only builds on social platforms but encourages people to be more proactive in their own care. Making technology and health information fun for elders is also essential. The more we accept and use technology, the healthier we will be as well as our community. Another innovative company, BlueLibris, is building the underlying platform for mobile health and safety monitoring. Their mobile solution enables the real-time sensing of health information, the automatic monitoring of user location and activity, and simultaneous voice communication with users. The information collected through this small, wearable device is tracked over time to allow caregivers to make intelligent, timely and informed decisions. Stay tuned for an explosion in technology that in my eyes will add life to years.
Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D., is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. He can be reached at larry@addinglifetoyears.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.