Workforce Limitations: Tech-Enabled Solutions for Optimization (Part 2)
Author: Kody Johnston
Posted: December 19, 2023
In the battle against clinical workforce limitations within the home health and hospice sector, technology serves as both a guiding light and a necessity. As these challenges continue to grow, the industry's capacity to provide quality care is directly tied to its ability to harness the advantages of modern technology. At Maxwell Healthcare Associates (MHA), innovative solutions like NOTIFYnana, nanaCONNECT, Caregiver Accelerator, and Admit Stream have come to the forefront, offering a comprehensive approach to empower the success of experts in the post-acute care industry.
Tech-Enabled EHR Optimization
Central to this transformation is the implementation and optimization of Electronic Health Records (EHR). EHR systems provide a digital platform for healthcare professionals to record, access, and share patient information seamlessly. They enable clinicians to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on patient care. NOTIFYnana (MHA’s EHR agnostic product), integrated with EHR systems, acts as the connective tissue, streamlining the flow of critical information such as visit management and patient engagement in the day-to-day of clinical operations. Through NOTIFYnana, clinical staff receive real-time updates on when a clinician is conducting a visit, helping them coordinate care efficiently and deliver prompt services, even in the face of a reduced workforce.
Improvements in Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
Telehealth has been a standing tool in the post-acute environment that was popularized throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In an era where in-person visits are often challenging due to clinical staff shortages or patients' limited mobility, telehealth solutions are an invaluable tool. In addition, Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) supplements post-acute care enterprises, but not without steep costs of implementation, lack of adherence by many patients, and overbearing logistical challenges. While these tools remain beneficial, innovative strategies and workarounds must be considered to keep up with looming rate cuts from CMS.
MHA's nanaCONNECT leverages text-based daily check-ins to bring care to the doorstep of the patient. This communication-centered approach improves remote check-ins and HHCHAP related endeavors while integrating with the agency’s EHR. This simple text-based communication solution replaces the need for expensive and often underutilized RPM technology, while providing instantaneous results and improved care quality. This not only enhances the accessibility of care but also ensures that clinicians can oversee the health of their patients without the need for frequent physical visits. This tool provides continuous check-in with patients, documenting changes in condition and overall wellbeing. nanaCONNECT directly improves care coordination while reducing ER visits and hospitalizations that are now tied to discharge and monetary losses under Value Based Purchasing plans.
The Essential Role of Education
While technology offers a myriad of solutions, its effective utilization relies on the training and support provided to the clinical staff that will ultimately use the solutions. In addition to solid implementation practices, technology providers play a crucial role in offering ongoing support and resources to ensure staff are comfortable using these tools.
Many clinical operation staff juggle the daily responsibility to meet certain productivity goals. As such, leveraging intentional time points to onboard technology, and implementing the technology in a tailored-per-client approach is essential to ensure full adoption and success in the clinical workforce. MHA offers robust and agile implementation for our clients when leveraging new implementations and operational changes.
The MHA Difference - Tech-Enabled Solutions
Workforce limitations pose a significant challenge for the post-acute industry. However, tech-enabled solutions provide the key to mitigating these struggles. By embracing tech-enabled solutions and operational optimization, agencies can enhance patient care while addressing workforce shortages.
MHA remains the industry-leading partner in reaching agency goals and thriving amid the unpredictability of post-acute care. Through continuous support, education, and leading tech-enabled services, our team of experts are here to streamline and mitigate any current or future challenges. For more information about our extensive suite of solutions contact us at [email protected] or visit www.maxwellhca.com.