Does IT promote Efficiency in Healthcare Facilities?

{The right technology, in the right facility, with the right people….}

This is part one of a two part series from Modern Healthcare Magazine’s May 26 article “Providers Turn to IT for Efficiency, but is it Working?” .  Though they start off discussing IT in laboratories, I believe we can take their words and apply it to any area/department of a healthcare facility.

“Indeed, technology plays a role in productivity across the board, and the healthcare industry is no exception. From faster laboratory results to real-time electronic information in emergency departments to online ‘dashboards’ that monitor performance metrics – providers have begun to embrace automated processes to improve their operations.”

Automated processes, along with point-of-care electronic systems can greatly increase operational efficiency. The keys to success (in my opinion) are: (1) a great implementation, which leads to great adoption and (2) an already well-run facility that’s ready for such an IT implementation.

Despite the boost in efficiency that IT can bring to a facility, there are usually some major hurdles to overcome.

“Still, there are significant challenges to adopting various technologies. Critics of electronic health records have said that the technology can be confusing and hard to implement, and it winds up disrupting work and limiting productivity.”

That is a very valid point. Technology can be confusing and often disrupting. And yes, if it’s not implemented right, it could perhaps limit productivity. That’s why you must have the right technology, implemented at the right facility, with the right people who are ready for such a change. Technology implementations will always bring about change. Naturally, we as humans are often resistant to change, especially when we what we’re doing now “works”. But bottom lines aren’t maximally impacted by what “works”. Patient care isn’t improved by simply what “works.” If you want to be competitive in this day and age, you better get ahead of the curve. Your facility better be ready for change, constant change.

Web-Based Software for Healthcare IT: Know the Benefits

Some healthcare organizations are still a bit hesitant about purchasing web-based software. Why? In this age where our world is relying on the web for so much, why do we think it’s incapable of performing in a healthcare environment? In my opinion, one reason organizations are timid about an ASP (Application Service Provider) model for their healthcare IT needs, is because they don’t understand the real advantages of web-based software. ComplyMD is a web-based solution for healthcare organizations that provides users with the following benefits:

• No installation or server required
• No expensive hardware required
• No IT Management required
• Never hassle with upgrades (we take care of that for you!)
• Never deal with backup tapes
• Always available anywhere (office, hospital, home)
• Always up-to-date information
• Always secure, encrypted, backed up and redundant
• HIPPA compliance ensured

As you can see web-based applications are convenient, cost-effective and easy to manage. We take care of everything for you; all your facility does is use the application… from anywhere you have an internet connection, might I add.