Document Type

Research Project

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

Background: Comprehensive knowledge about the level of Health Information Technology (HIT) adoption in Nursing Homes remains subpar to 21st century healthcare standards.

Objective: This study is to determine the factors that will aid in the adoption of HIT in Nursing Homes in the New York metropolitan area.

Methods: A pilot survey was issued to employees at three Nursing Homes to collect data that would aid in the adoption of HIT in Nursing Homes in the New York metropolitan area.

Study Design: A 16 question survey was administered to twenty-one employees at three separate Nursing Homes in the New York metropolitan area. Each employee varied in level of positions that provide care to Nursing Home residents. The survey questionnaire included topics on Electronic Medical Records (EMR)/Electronic Health Records (EHR) implementations, EMR/EHRs vendors, HIT on safety/productivity and personal views that would aid in the adoption of HIT in Nursing Homes.

Results: Survey results substantially shows 44 percent and 56 percent of respondents agree and strongly agree respectively that Nursing Homes should adopt more HIT. The survey shows that 33 percent agree and 67 percent strongly agree that HIT can improve their job productivity. In attempt to correlate adoption of HIT with safety, improve quality of care and reduce medical errors the survey reveals that 11 percent are neutral, 33 percent agree and 50 percent strongly agree that HIT can make Nursing Homes safer. In response to if HIT can improve the quality of care for Nursing Home residents 6 percent are neutral, 39 percent agree and 56 percent strongly agree. If fully adopted, 17 percent are neutral, 44 percent agree and 39 percent strongly agree that HIT will reduce medical errors.

Conclusion: The results of this research present an important methodical look at EHR adoption in Nursing Homes within the New York metropolitan area. HIT is increasingly being embraced in other health care settings; however in many cases HIT is slowly being adopted in long term care facilities specifically in Nursing Homes. The survey suggests that there is room for growth and highlights the need for targeted initiatives to achieve more widespread adoption in this important health care sector. Based on the respondents to The survey, the adoption of HIT is effective in improving the quality of care as measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quality measures to Nursing Home residents. Respondents reported that HIT has a significant impact on productivity, safety and reduction of medical errors. Even though Nursing Homes continue to lag in HIT adoption, the results are promising.

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