Healthcare IT: An Update on the Not-for-Profit Senior Living Sector
by Ziegler
Published On: Nov 25, 2015 A recent Ziegler CFO HotlineSM survey focused on the topic of Healthcare IT, which gained insight into the implementation of information technologies being utilized in the healthcare sector, particularly in the post-acute spectrum. Questions also assessed usage among staff and residents. Nearly 180 senior living Chief Financial Officers (CFO) participated in the poll; roughly 60% were from single-site organizations and 40% represented multi-site providers.
The initial question asked was about the adoption of EMR/EHR (Electronic Medical Records/Electronic Health Records) in their assisted living or skilled nursing levels of care. Overall, nearly 8 out of 10 indicated that they have adopted an EMR/EHR system. The percentage for multi-site respondents was slightly higher at 85.7%.
When asked who the vendor is for the EMR system, the largest proportion, nearly 37% indicated that they utilize AOD. HealthMEDX was second, mentioned by roughly 2 out of 10 of the respondents. Those who responded "other" mentioned vendors such as American Data, MatrixCare, Optimus and SigmaCare. Of those who reported having only an EMR system in assisted living or skilled nursing, several indicated that it is integrated with the local hospital EMR. Fewer than 6% reported this type of integration with their local hospital.
The survey also asked about wireless infrastructures on the campus. Approximately 9 out of 10 respondents indicated that they have installed a wireless infrastructure on their campus. When broken out separately by type of organization, the multi-site providers were more likely to have campus-wide wireless than single-site providers.
Additional questions were asked about resident and staff usage of various technology devices. When asked about staff use of mobile devices for work-related items, 77.4% of the respondents indicated that their staff does use mobile technologies.
To access the full copy of the survey results and review additional survey findings, please click here .
This article by Lisa McCracken, Senior Vice President of Senior Living Research & Development, Ziegler, was printed with permission.