Nursing homes across the country are at the forefront of embracing new care models and cutting-edge technology solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare system and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The advancements in care models and technology have the potential to greatly impact the healthcare industry in a positive way.

At a recent conference session hosted by AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, experts agreed that new care models, technologies, and methods of documentation and communication can play a significant role in proactively treating deteriorating residents. However, there is a need for strategy and dedicated “champions” to overcome the barriers to implementing these valuable tools effectively.

Joseph Ouslander, MD, from Florida Atlantic University, shared a case study of a nursing home patient who faced over $40,000 in additional healthcare costs due to an avoidable pneumonia rehospitalization. This scenario is not uncommon, and it highlights the billions of dollars being spent on unnecessary transfers to hospitals across the country.

One solution to reduce such cases is the implementation of care models like the INTERACT program, which has shown success in reducing hospitalizations by 30% at the University of Missouri. These programs focus on early identification of symptoms, treatment in place when possible, and improved communication and record-keeping.

Artificial intelligence and telehealth tools, along with remote monitoring technology, are proving to be invaluable in preventing rehospitalizations. These technologies can help in early identification of symptoms, monitoring residents remotely, and integrating with healthcare platforms for seamless communication and treatment.

Despite the benefits of these new care models and technologies, there are several barriers to their adoption. These barriers include financial costs, extensive training requirements, alert fatigue, and challenges such as leadership turnover, staffing shortages, and poor internet access. To overcome these obstacles, nursing homes need to prioritize their needs, invest in appropriate tools and training, and appoint multiple “champions” to oversee the integration of new technologies.

Barriers to implementation and How AI legalese decoder Can Help

With the help of AI legalese decoder, nursing homes can easily navigate through complex legal language and ensure compliance with regulations. The tool can assist in interpreting legal documents, contracts, and policies related to healthcare, making it easier for providers to understand and implement new care models and technologies.

AI legalese decoder can also streamline communication processes and improve record-keeping by translating legal jargon into plain language. By simplifying complex legal terms, the tool can help in reducing errors, improving efficiency, and ensuring better compliance with regulations.

Overall, AI legalese decoder can be a valuable asset for nursing homes looking to implement new care models and technologies. By providing clarity and simplifying legal language, the tool can empower providers to overcome barriers and embrace innovation in healthcare.

“You have to have champions,” Ouslander explained. “Don’t only have one champion. Champions leave, they get sick. And if it’s dependent on one person, the program is gone.”

This article originally appeared on McKnight’s Long-Term Care News