Using Technology to Improve Transitions in Long-Term Care Building Bridges: Making a Difference in Long-Term Care 2007 Policy Seminar AcademyHealth Washington, D.C. Robert J. Rosati, Ph.D. Center for Home Care Policy & Research Visiting Nurse Service of New York

Potential Solutions  Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIO)  Point to Point Connection between providers  Combining RHIO and Point to Point approaches

RHIO Approach Central Data Repository or Record Locator Service Physician’s Office Hospital Emergency Room Nursing Home Home Health Care Agency Ambulatory Center Data Exchange

Example of Point to Point Approach: e-transition Model e-transitions Community-Based Physician HHA Field Nurse/ Therapist Hospital-Based Providers HHA Clinical Record System Patient/Caregiver Data Exchange Two-Way Communication Triggers and EP Orders

Challenges to Implementing and Using Technology  Identifying the important information to communicate  Interoperability  Costs of developing systems  Involving providers

Keys to Expanding the Use of Technology in LTC Transitions  More funding to build systems that focus on LTC  Technology needs to be comprehensive  Reimburse providers for time spent using technology  Demonstrate a direct link to quality – More research  Hold organizations accountable – P4P tied to technological investments