The past year has seen rapid changes in health care technology. Many new devices help elevate the standard of patient care by making it easier to track health status. Other aspects of technology have increased the ease of communication between health care professionals. This can improve the experience of patients, care providers, and families alike as information flows quickly within strict security protocols.
This new technology can help manage increasing demands on health care operations for improved patient experiences, operational efficiency, and compliance with legal guidelines. As the new year approaches, it's an excellent opportunity for health care agencies to review their current procedures. It might be time to update outdated systems and workflows to increase patient and team member satisfaction.
Assessing Your Current Technology
A good place to start is an evaluation of existing systems for inefficiencies our outdated features. The first step is to create an inventory of your current tools. Create a list of the current methods, software, and technology your organization uses for:
- Electronic records
- Physician ordering
- Communication between teams and with patients
For each current solution, you can identify the key features or procedures of each. That might include manual entry for physician orders or patient records. This technology might work well, but it might also create inefficiencies in your current procedures. An inventory can help you build a plan of action for updates that result in more results-driven procedures.
Prioritizing Interoperable and User-Friendly Tools
One thing you might notice is a siloing of your existing systems. Important sources of information might not talk to each other, leading to communication gaps that can negatively impact patient care. An area to prioritize in a new suite of technology solutions is the ability to work well with existing electronic medical records (EMR) solutions like Axxess, Homecare Homebase, or KanTime.
Systems that enhance team collaboration bring added value to your organization, as they reduce burden on health care professionals. A reduction in system complexity can also make the solution easier to use and to navigate, so it supports the important work of your entire team.
Investing in AI and Automation
New technology can have the benefit of automation, which can significantly reduce manual tasks. It keeps the members of your team in control of all aspects of procedures but eliminates much of the grunt work. A reduction in manual tasks can free up their time for higher-level work, including more time supporting patients. AI-powered automation can also reduce a common issue at health care organizations: human error.
Manual tasks like managing referrals and physician order tracking can be quicker and more accurate with tools like WorldView’s Referral AI and Physician Order Tracking.
Enhancing Data Security and Compliance
The obligation on health care organizations to keep health information safe and secure need not be compromised with new technology. In fact, adopting new solutions that prioritize efficiency can also mean partnering with a provider that puts data privacy at the forefront. When evaluating new solutions, look for providers that offer HIPAA compliance within a network of secure systems that are subject to regulatory reporting. If a provider doesn’t advertise its security compliance, ask about its protocols before signing on.
Improving Patient Communication and Engagement
Technology also can help your organization improve relationships with those outside of the organization: the families and loved ones of patients. This can help reduce anxiety for loved ones and patients under your team’s care. You can adopt new tools that help agencies stay connected with agencies and families. These can include mobile apps and secure messaging systems.
Building Staff Confidence Through Training
Implementing a new solution can mean a transition period as your team members become familiar with the new systems. Create a plan for gradual implementation of the new technology so your staff can build knowledge and familiarity. Formal training is important to give team members the information they need to properly use the solution. Training is also an excellent opportunity for staff members to practice using the new tools and ask questions on points of confusion.
How WorldView Supports Agency Modernization
WorldView solutions align with your organization’s modernization goals.
- MedAttach allows you to automatically capture documents and their data, saving time on manual entry and making the documents easily accessible to your team.
- Referral AI automates the management of referral and intake documents, so your team can focus on caring for patients more quickly.
- Mobile Complete puts your most important technical solutions at your fingertips, so your agency can improve workflows and enhance patient outcomes.
Make 2025 the Year of Progress
As we kick off 2025, it’s the perfect time for health agencies to streamline their operations for improved regulatory compliance and better care delivery. Since technology is always changing, it’s important to act early and stay ahead of industry shifts.
Take the first step in modernizing your home health or hospice agency. Schedule a demo with WorldView to explore tools that can transform your operations in 2025.
