LTC providers using EHRs, but lagging with HIE

Many long-term care providers in the U.S. have adopted EHRs and provided patients with internet access, but few are participating in health information exchange (HIE) with outside providers, according to a survey conducted by long-term care provider association LeadingAge and investment bank Ziegler.

Polling of the 94 largest not-for-profit U.S. senior living center networks found that 90 percent offer internet access to residents; nearly 90 percent have adopted "wander management" technologies to keep residents from wandering unattended; 83 percent use point-of-care digital documentation systems; and 80 percent use user-activated emergency response systems. Overall, three-quarters use EHRs.

Long-term care facilities have struggled to adopt other forms of health IT, according to the survey. Only 30 percent of the facilities digitally share information with residents' other providers; about 28 percent electronically prescribe and electronically share medication orders; 25 percent exchange laboratory orders and results; and 22 percent share other diagnostic tests.

Less than one-fifth (18 percent) use telehealth and remote monitoring systems; about 15 percent share advance directives, clinical notes, problem lists and discharge and transfer reports; 11 percent share non-regulatory assessments with outside groups; 10 percent integrate mobile health information in their EHRs; and 9 percent share care plan information with outside groups.

Access the complete report here.