CURRENT STATE AND BARRIERS THAT EXIST IN INFORMATICS USAGE AND ADOPTION WITHIN LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

Abstract

The HITECH ACT of 2009 created reimbursement incentives that are using technology (such as EHRs) in meaningful ways. LTC facilities were excluded from the incentives and hence have been mostly force to bear the cost on their own for adopting newer technologies. Many facilities at the time sighted the high cost and limited revenue stream to support such endeavors as implementing information technology solutions. Now that many hospitals and providers have join the EHR bandwagon as well as being a participant in data interchange, Long Term Care facilities have lagged behind and now cause a major data gap in management of health population data. This study aims to review underlying issues that are causing Health Information Technology (HIT) adoption barriers within the LTC setting. Additionally we will study those facilities where adoption has taken place and observe how strives have been made to improve patient outcomes and safety.