The rate of nursing homes using electronic information systems (EIS) is considerably higher than previous estimates and compares favorably to other health care settings, according to a new study released by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA).
The AAHSA report is an analysis of data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey. This survey features data regarding EIS use in 12 functional areas, including both administrative and resident care activities. It is the most recent and accurate picture of EIS use in America’s nursing homes.
Using the data, researchers from AAHSA as well as the association’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) and Institute for the Future of Aging Services (IFAS) found that in 2004, nearly all U.S. nursing homes had EIS for Minimum Data Set (MDS) data collection and billing.
Researchers also found that 43 percent of U.S. nursing homes maintained electronic health records, compared to 25 percent of physician offices and 59 percent of hospitals as noted in other studies. In addition, 48 percent of nursing homes had computerized physician orders, 51 percent used electronic systems for medication orders and 41 percent used electronic systems to manage laboratory information.
Researchers also found that a nursing home’s ownership, membership in a chain and size are factors in its EIS use. Larger facilities and those that were part of a chain used more electronic systems than smaller, stand-alone facilities.
Located in Southern California, Berman & Riedel, LLP is a San Diego based law firm that focuses its practice on representing victims of elder abuse and neglect throughout the state. The firm’s elder abuse attorneys have successfully secured some of the state’s largest settlements and awards in cases involving some of the worst examples of abuse and neglect against California’s elderly.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the care an elderly loved one is receiving in a nursing home or other type of California elder care facility, call Berman & Riedel, LLP today at (858) 350-8855. Our staff will happily provide you and your family with an initial free consultation to discuss with you the rights you and your family may have under California and federal law. To learn more about the firm, visit www.preventelderabuse.com.
