How can technology improve care in long-term facilities?

Technology can significantly enhance care in long-term facilities by improving communication, monitoring, and record-keeping processes. Effective communication ensures that healthcare providers can share important patient information quickly and accurately, facilitating better coordinated care among staff members, residents, and their families.

Monitoring technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and remote patient monitoring devices, enable staff to track patients' health conditions in real-time, allowing for prompt interventions if issues arise. Improved record-keeping through digital systems ensures that patient data is organized and accessible, reducing the likelihood of errors and enhancing compliance with regulatory requirements. These capabilities ultimately lead to higher quality of care and improved outcomes for residents.

In contrast, reducing the number of staff needed can lead to negative consequences such as increased workloads and diminished attention to residents' needs. While virtual appointments can provide certain benefits, they are not a comprehensive solution for all interactions in long-term care settings. Focusing exclusively on billing processes overlooks the primary goal of enhancing patient care and does not leverage technology's full potential in clinical settings.