How Technology Helps Deliver Better Healthcare

How Technology Helps Deliver Better Healthcare

Advances in technology have modernized healthcare in very exciting ways. Across the United States, home health agencies are using new and improved methods to provide better quality care for clients in a more cost-efficient way. It’s a win-win situation for the clients dependent on homecare and for the dedicated agencies providing the service.

Here are just a few examples of how technology has laid the groundwork for progressive changes in home healthcare:

Telehealth  

Telehealth is an innovative telecommunication system which links clients to healthcare agencies without ever having to leave the comfort of their home. Agencies participating in these types of programs provide clients with electronic equipment to measure vitals such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and pulse rate. Clients are taught how to use the equipment and a schedule is set-up for the client to check-in with the agency. At the specified time, the client will put on the equipment and vital health information will be gathered. The information is then transmitted to the agency’s clinical department where it is immediately interpreted and acted upon if necessary. A client’s care plan can be adjusted without the provider having to step foot into the client’s home.

Having Telehealth technology available means clients can be assessed more efficiently and as often as needed. As well, clinicians are able to oversee a greater number of clients since they do not have to allow for travel time during their shift.

Computer Technology

There is a huge drive in the home healthcare industry for agencies to go paperless. All over the country, home health providers are being equipped with laptop computers, which are brought into a client’s home and used to input information gathered during a home visit. Instantaneously the data is uploaded into the agency’s database.

Having a paperless system means important information is easily accessible to all providers involved in a client’s care, while at the same time, keeping the client’s personal information confidential and secure. Although providing all staff with laptops and comprehensive computer programs can be expensive to establish, these systems greatly enhance accurate medical documentation, efficient scheduling, and up-to-date billing, resulting in a greater capacity to meet the needs of clients quickly and efficiently. All of these factors play a part in improving the overall quality of care provided to the client. Becoming paperless is a major advantage in an industry which is becoming higher in demand and is plagued by the traditional overabundance of paperwork

With newer technology emerging every day, the delivery of home healthcare will continue to evolve in an effort provide excellent, professional care to our elderly and vulnerable populations at a more affordable cost.

For more information on home care palliative care services, contact UNS today at 1-800-334-5140 or email [email protected].