TECHNOLOGY
BY GAVIN FABIAN
In contrast to hospitals that were forced to adopt technology in response to legislation and regu- latory developments like
the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) and meaningful use incentive program, ASC technology adoption has largely been driven by a competitive desire and a way to reduce costs. Clinical documentation software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, supply chain man- agement and various other technolo- gies have enabled countless centers to streamline processes and create greater efficiencies. As surgery centers around the coun- try reopen, rigid protocols are being put in place so staff and the community remain safe and a spike in COVID-19 cases can be avoided. Meanwhile, tech- nology projects that were once deemed high priority are now on the back burner as centers take on a new top priority: minimizing risk of exposure. Mov- ing historically in-person and paper- driven tasks—like sharing schedules, document transfers, patient surveys and general status updates—online is a great place to start.
Informed at a Distance Coordinating a surgery is a complex process that involves many intricate details and multiple people. Surgery coordination technology is a central hub for accessing and sharing all case- related information in a secure manner, compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) via mobile device. This technology has grown in popularity for increasing efficiency and case volume through better remote collaboration. The pandemic has elevated the impor-
tance of this technology; it is now con- sidered a critical tool for safely com- municating with patients, loved ones, and case members.
Remote collaboration technology minimizes COVID-19 exposure by keeping staff and patients informed without requiring them to come into the facility. Patients are sent auto- mated preop reminders, COVID-19 updates and videos, postop check- ins, etc., via text. Timely, automated alerts provide an added level of con- fidence that the information received is current while minimizing the need to touch paper. Extending patient texting capabilities with vital surgi- cal updates to loved ones while they wait, often outside of the surgery cen- ter due to new COVID-19 restrictions, delivers much-needed peace of mind. Patient engagement features also deliver valuable postop instructions, via text, to patients and caregivers.
The safety benefits of remote col- laboration technology extend to facil- ity staff, physicians, anesthesiolo- gists and med techs who also want to be protected from virus exposure. Since staff might not be at centers as frequently as they once were, there is a greater need for mobile, real-time access to schedules and case commu- nication. Surgery coordination tech- nology meets this need. Given the highly mobile nature of
surgery coordination technology, it has quickly evolved to become a much needed and unexpected lifeline. Added features like patient texting, online pre- admissions, ride texting and schedule access enable centers to deliver touch- free care, keeping patients and staff safe and informed.
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