NewsLine — September 2009 - (Page 12)

Technology, next to salaries and benefits, is probably one of the most expensive line items in an organization’s operating budget. However, the right technology can be a cost-effective tool that goes a long way in improving care at the bedside. In the articles that follow, members of the interdisciplinary team discuss some of the technologies that are helping their programs meet the needs of patients and families—from the electronic medical record to point-of-care documentation and encryption software. The final article in this section (on page 19), draws our attention to HIPAA standards concerning technology and steps we should take to protect patient information. Developing the Vision—Your North Star Before making decisions, it is important to create a vision that is based on core values that are espoused by the organization from the board to the point of service. Communication of that vision is important because staff will see that as a north star, a point to focus on as they move through the uncertainty and struggles of change. The core values of the organization may include values such as best practices, safe patient care, continuity of care across settings, and leadership in end-of-life care. As one considers the vision and the arrival of that dream, it is imperative to consider the ripple effects of implementing technology. It is rare that any change is done in isolation of other systems or processes. Organizations begin to transform as processes become electronic. This ultimately impacts the work of the end user. For example, prior to the implementation of the electronic medical record (EMR), the following areas need to be explored: Transforming Care at the Bedside By Bridget J. Montana, MSN, APRN, MBA, FPCN 1. Describe how technology will support the organization’s vision and strategic objectives, including how the EMR will enable staff to better meet the needs of patients, caregivers and referrals sources; Identify current systems and processes which use paper records that are labor-intensive and inefficient; Defi ne the initial costs of hardware and software, licensing and maintenance fees, and costs for replacement of hardware and upgrades to software; Explore software/hardware options that are cost-efficient and user-friendly for staff; Defi ne new opportunities to be gained by using EMR; and Defi ne the savings by using EMR. H 2. 3. ospice is well known for compassionate, holistic care that is based on the patient and family’s goals and is delivered through a team model that uses the “art and science” of practice to achieve quality outcomes. Originally, the hospice industry may have valued a “low tech, high touch” approach to achieve patient outcomes. In the early years, it was a mindset that was effective in meeting the needs of the patients, caregivers, and referral sources. As the world turns and time passes, hospices are increasingly challenged with caring for patients with acute symptoms and a prognosis of less than two weeks. The high intensity of care is becoming the norm. Emphasis on information throughout the 24-hour period is essential. Communication within an organization and across care settings is occurring at the speed of thought. Many healthcare centers now mandate sending referrals, patient information and communications to hospices electronically, and expect hospices to comply. It seems like yesterday, but this intensity began to gain momentum in 2001 and continues today. The purpose of this article is to discuss the steps that administrators need to consider as they move their organizations into the age of technology—beginning with the transformation of care at the bedside. 4. 5. 6. As administrators are analyzing the information to decide what their electronic future will look like, it is important to note that implementation of a new electronic medical record involves processes that interweave education and training throughout the organization. For example, submission of bills to Medicare requires a fi nancial-service team that is knowledgeable in the accounts payable module of the EMR and is able to access patient information. Some of the Positive Outcomes Initially, with implementation of an EMR, our organization kept minimal information (such as consents and living wills) in a hard-copy chart. Several years after implementation, however, we have the ability to scan these documents and have become paperless. This example reflects how quickly technology is changing and how the needs that are not met today will quickly be met with evolving technology. continued on page 14 12 NewsLine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NewsLine — September 2009

NewsLine - September 2009
Contents
Introduction
Archstone Foundation Grant: Exploring the Role of Spiritual Care in Palliative Care
Working for a Greener Future
Transforming Care at the Bedside
Point of Care Documentation: Perception Versus Reality
A Technophobe Signs On
Utilizing Volunteers More Fully
HIPAA and Technology: Some Considerations
Keeping the Attending Physician Involved

NewsLine — September 2009

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