Technology to Improve Outcomes
Patient care in post-hospitalization is problematic and the problem emerges from poor monitoring. Poor monitoring cause ‘ameliorable adverse events’ which are preventable with follow-up care and monitoring (Piette et al, 2016). Some methods which are used for monitoring include hospital-based nurse where clinicians calls patient to enquire the progress. However, this method is not effective as it is costly and call back programmes are not effective. Today, rural health care providers face challenges in follow-up care and monitoring in post-hospitalization. According to Pitte et al (2016), about 20%-30% patients are readmitted for the first 30days post-discharge. Rehospitalization is increasing the health cost as the total cost spent in 2004 was $17.4 billion. Patients are readmitted due to adverse outcomes which are caused by poor self-care regiments. Adverse outcomes are also contributed by lack of clinical monitoring and lack of adequate resources which may help the caregiver avoid rehospitalization (Piette et al, 2016). Due to lack of follow-up and monitoring, patients conditions may get worse either due to drug interaction among other errors that might occur during treatment. To address these challenges, quality post-discharge care such as effective communication between patients and community providers and constitute of care.
The new technology available for post-hospitalization is Interactive Voice Reponses (IVR) for increasing communication between patients and clinicians. This technology has marginal cost and all patients regardless of location can access it. The automated telephony system play a significant role in health care in that they identifies health issues from post-discharge and receives valid and reliable data. In addition, the technology services various purposes in that clinician offer post-discharge care and diagnoses possible problem through screening (Piette et al, 2016). If clinician finds a ‘screen positive’ patient, follow-up and monitoring are conducted. IVRS is effective as it minimizes the number of rehospitalization and saves time.
According to Lim et al (2015), post-hospitalization require continuity of quality care to patients. However, the care transitions are hindered by ineffective inter-organization collaborations. Inadequate continuity increases the risk of rehospitalization and other adverse events. In post-hospitalization, knowledge transfer involves clinicians, patients, community providers and medical professionals. In other words, knowledge is transferred in a complex environment and the people involved lack existing relationship. In the organizational boundaries, effective community in transferring the knowledge is important in order to improve the patients’ condition (Lim et al, 2015). Lim at al recommends health information technology such as online communication, personal health records and more. Generally, health information technology such as electronic health record (EHR) in post-hospitalization is effective in that patients, health care professionals and community providers increase safety though interaction. Electrical medical records (EMR) are effective for real-time access and flexible database. Electrical medical records in the ambulatory care provide a flow of information, improve quality and minimize cost. The technology plays a significant role in improving the standardization of care and real-time monitoring (Lim et al, 2015).
Other new technologies to improve post-hospitalization include Mobile Health (mHealth). This is a mobile telecommunication technology in health care system. The National Institute of Health Consensus affirmed that mHealth will improve healthcare given that 91% of adults in adult can access mobile phones and 61% can afford Smartphone (Arya et al, 2014). MHealth is effective in that in health care, privacy is valued and this tool will allow the patient and health care provider share information. Health support the decision making approach between the patient and care providers. Through patient-provider interaction, patients receive easy-to follow procedures and satisfaction. Patients are also empowered by the accurate medical information and real-time connectivity (Arya et al, 2014). In monitoring patients’ health, healthcare providers should implement this technology in that the app is cost-effective and paper-based document are eliminated and replaced new by technology and information.
Patient communication serves an important role in managing and controlling patients’ health. Even though traditional forms which are used in hospital for communication are effective, technology needs to be implemented in order to achieve effectiveness. In other words, the traditional methods should enhance using information technology not only to improve quality care but also to avoid readmissions. For example, health IT tools play important role in making decision and self-management (PR, 2017). Automated tools allow patients and healthcare providers reduce cost, save time and more importantly improve health. PR (2017) asserts that ‘Patient Registry’ is a tool which helps the healthcare provider receives standardized information based on patient’s status after hospitalization. The tool is effective in monitoring outcomes and improving health care. Patients and heath care provider creates collaborative partnership where they engage in information-sharing (PR, 2017).
Other recommended information management tool is DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS – these programs are effective in that patients who suffer from chronic illnesses learn self-care practices and this reduces cost, rehospitalization and emerging visit (PR, 2017). For example, patients with chronic illness such as debate need regular healthcare services which also increase health care expenditure. To avoid these effects, disease management programs is an effective approach with aid the patients in managing the chronic condition, avoid complications and hospitalization. Thus, the health care system should implement this programme in order to help patients who suffer from chronic illness such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes and more (PR, 2017). The role of this program is to educate patients on how to manage their condition by offering them guideline from clinical evidence.
Reference
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Journal Of Public Health, 104(12), 2251-2255. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2014.302120
Lim, S. Y., Jarvenpaa, S. L., & Lanham, H. J. (2015). Barriers to Interorganizational Knowledge Transfer in
Post-Hospital Care Transitions: Review and Directions for Information Systems Research. Journal
Of Management Information Systems, 32(3), 48-74.
doi:10.1080/07421222.2015.1095013
- (2017, May 30). Innovative Patient Registry to Provide Important Insights into the "Real World"
Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. PR Newswire US.
Piette D. John., et a. (2016). Improving Post-Hospitalization Transition Outcomes through Accessible
Health Information Technology and Caregiver Support: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled
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