Is Technology Changing the Practice of Case Management? October 12, 2010

With the recent publication of the bi-annual Health IT survey (see http://www.tcshealthcare.com/press), we are reminded that there is a whirlwind of change when it comes to how technology is changing the practice of case management. 

Clearly, the field of technology can be overwhelming and challenging for many healthcare professionals, patients, and other key stakeholders.  Although many of the 2010 findings showcase the potential on how leveraging IT can help case managers support patients, many areas still need improvement.  Some of the survey findings include the following: 

• More integration.  The majority of respondents use two or more health IT applications supporting clinicians and care managers at some level.
• The need for standardization.  Information technology platforms supporting the care management process still are not standardized in the industry and have many different orientations and attributes.
• Slow adoption rates.  The adoption of electronic applications seem to be taking longer than originally anticipated, even in light of healthcare reform funding.
• Satisfaction levels could be improved.  Satisfaction levels including “Very Satisfied” and “Satisfied” are:
  • 35% for care management software systems
  • 45% for electronic medical record applications
  • 40% for nurse triage systems

But signs also are emerging that some positive change has arrived and more is coming.  Survey respondents indicated that:

• 23% have information technology systems that are fully integrated and interoperable with other external IT applications;
• 23% have moved to a completely paperless environment regarding patient or care management records;
• 54% scan medical records, documents, or communications into their medical management information system;
• 35% can share clinical data electronically with other providers; and
• 26% allow providers to access report cards that show physician and patient specific compliance with reporting initiatives.

In addition, the survey participants were generally positive about embracing emerging patient communication strategies within the next two years.  For example, respondents anticipate: a three-fold increase in the use of text messaging, smart phones, and wireless remote monitoring; and a doubling in the use of online personal health records, patient portals, remote monitoring, and social networking.

Although the practice of nursing and medicine has been transformed with the advent and adoption of health IT systems as a tool to support care management, these applications are still evolving.  As a result, leveraging technology to improve medical management intervention strategies should remain a high priority in terms of both improving public health and reducing medical costs.  Clearly, HIT applications are changing the practice of care management in profound ways. 

 Pat Stricker, RN, Med

Vice-President, Clinical and Client Services

TCS Healthcare Technologies

www.tcshealthcare.com