Assessment of eHealth capabilities and utilization in residential care settings

The US National Survey of Residential Care Facilities was used to conduct cross-sectional analyses of residential care facilities (n = 2302). Most residential care facilities lacked computerized capabilities for one or more of these capabilities in 2010. Lacking computerized systems supporting electronic health information exchange with pharmacies was associated with non-chain affiliation (p < .05). Lacking electronic health information exchange with physicians was associated with being a small-sized facility (vs large) (p < .05). Lacking computerized capabilities for discharge/transfer summaries was associated with for-profit status (p < .05) and small-sized facilities (p < .05). Lacking computerized capabilities for medical provider information was associated with non-chain affiliation (p < .05), small- or medium-sized facilities (p < .05), and for-profit status (p < .05). Lack of electronic health record was associated with non-chain affiliation (p < .05), small- or medium-sized facilities (p < .05), for-profit status (p < .05), and location in urban areas (p < .05). eHealth disparities exist across residential care facilities. As the older adult population continues to grow, resources must be in place to provide an integrated system of care across multiple settings.
Source: Health Informatics Journal - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Articles Source Type: research