INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Independent study demonstrates value of fitfor-purpose technology in aged care Humanetix ACE improves care delivery and saves time Humanetix ACE resulted in time spent documenting decreasing from 20.4 to 6.4 per cent.
At a time of rapid change within Australia’s aged services industry, providers are actively looking for new ways to manage tomorrow’s reform, save time and deliver consistent care each and every time to avoid non-compliance measures. However, a recent study by Humanetix based on over 200 providers showed that there is a significant level of frustration with the current state of technology options, which can be overwhelming. With over 250 different software technology options currently available in the Australian marketplace, making the right decision to stay with current technology or change to something different to match your operational needs, becomes difficult and can sometimes be left in the ‘too hard’ basket when it really should be a priority. Digital transformation puts the care recipients at the centre of care, allowing them to play an active role in their health and wellbeing. It creates operational efficiencies, can improve care through real-time information about individuals, and can free-up staff to spend more time with clients and residents. A two-year independent review of the Humanetix Aged Care Ecosystem (ACE) implementation at Jindalee Aged Care Residence has shown that having a fit- for-purpose digital system increased efficiency while improving care quality, including a 20 per cent reduction in carers’ time from a legacy system. 106
The results speak for themselves The impressive findings of the study, conducted by Deloitte Economic Access and published in Wiley’s Journal of Clinical Nursing, provide a level of detail that will help managers understand how to shortlist potential technology partners. Quality documentation. Humanetix ACE improved the accessibility, completeness and legibility of care documentation, in the following ways: ■ The adoption of Humanetix ACE as a collaboration with
the care recipients and their families raised the degree of evaluation from 68 to 96 per cent completion.
■ Care recipients’ documentation improved from a score of
10 to 17 (out of a possible 18).
■ Care goals increased from 56 to 88 per cent completion. ■ By giving carers additional time, their efficiency increased
from 31 to 88 per cent.
Efficient workflows and accurate reports. Staff members spent less time on ‘waste’ activities and improved accuracy of reporting: ■ Time spent on documenting decreased from 20.4 to 6.4
per cent, saving 20.0 per cent of their time.
■ Records’ accuracy significantly increased due to staff
members filling them out as they go.
■ The handover to the following shift becomes a quick
chat between incoming and outgoing staff members centred on the care recipients’ unmet requirements.