The current state of EMRs in LTC settings: exploring the health information technology link in improving patient care and outcom

Implementing a health information infrastructure that supports an EMR system can have exceptional clinical and operational benefits in LTC settings. Before the nursing home selects an EMR vendor, the first step involves examining the current problems or inefficiencies in the facility. After an honest examination of the current landscape in the home, realistic goals can be established. Those goals can then be leveraged to develop a requirements list for an EMR vendor. By fully examining the information technology solutions available in the marketplace, the nursing home should select an EMR vendor with the best mobile technology, functionality, and commitment to service to ensure optimum user adoption of the technology. Only with maximum ongoing adoption of the system by all departments and disciplines within the facility will your nursing home be able to achieve its goals for improved clinical and financial outcomes.

Steve Pacicco is CEO of SigmaCare/eHealth Solutions, Inc. Pacicco previously was Executive Vice-President at Amicore, an ambulatory electronic medical record company. He also worked for 11 years at Pfizer in the U.S. Pharmaceutical's Strategic Planning and Business Development group, where he was responsible for determining the impact on pharmaceutical research and development, marketing, and sales from the emerging trends in healthcare technology, such as electronic medical records and electronic prescribing. For more information, phone (877) 432-5858 or visit www.sigmacare.com. To send your comments to the author and editors, e-mail pacicco0208@nursinghomesmagazine.com.

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