In a McKnight’s guest column Larry Triplett promotes the use of information technology in long-term care. While another McKnight’s article shows that nursing homes lead the health care field in use of electronic health records, overall there is still reluctance to use and rely on digital information as it does not seem as personal and human. 

From the McKnight’s guest column:

What is Point of Care?

A point-of-care (POC) system does not replace existing clinical systems, but it does improve the completeness and accuracy of resident data residing in existing clinical systems. Through the utilization of hand-held devices, wall-mounted touch screens or other portable units, caregivers obtain and document resident observations at the point of care.

Some POC systems offer visual prompts that serve as reminders by highlighting observations required throughout the shift. POC eliminates lost paper forms, illegible entries, “copy-cat” charting and time spent by MDS coordinators searching for missing assessments.

The value of POC technology, however, is real-time access to information that is otherwise inaccessible in a paper environment. Ultimately, it’s the access to timely, accurate information about each resident that affords caregivers an opportunity to improve quality of care.

Click here to read the full article.

Do you agree that the long-term care industry should use the latest information technology available, or do you think this takes away from the human touch this industry needs?