Your current or future Electronic Medical Record (EMR) productivity software integrates into every aspect of running your Long-Term Care or Home Care facility. You would not rush the care of your patients. Likewise, you should not rush the process of evaluating and selecting the EMR software that best fits your facility needs. While the evaluation phase can be difficult, the the following criteria will help navigate how to choose the right EMR software for your facility:

Integration

You do not want to cut corners on integration. An EMR software has the capabilities of integrating your facility with every key stakeholder — internally and externally — and every aspect of effectively running your organization. Many EMR platforms were built to manage only a few narrow processes, such as patient intake, with additional modules built later to increase capabilities. While this form of solution-building may tick the boxes on your wish list, there may be elements of each module that run as independent applications and cannot truly be integrated. For example, your TeleHealth and Family Communication capabilities shouldn’t simply be add-ons.

In your diligence stage, we recommend you check to see what that integration looks like. Is it a series of patches and workarounds that could lead to delays and complications down the road? Your investigation of the right EMR solution should lead you towards a comprehensive suite of fully integrated modules working together in a single application. Everything in AccessEMR Nursing Home and AccessEMR Home Care works together as seamlessly as your facility’s team of care providers.

Cost vs Benefit

The monthly and onboarding costs for various EMR software solutions may vary immensely. Some have attractive entry-level pricing with rates increasing as you add solutions and capabilities. Others have all the capabilities your facility could ever need and a price tag to match. The options are extensive, and it may seem difficult to determine which EMR application is best for your team. We recommend you concentrate on the capabilities your team needs and your budget — not just the software costs but onboarding, training, and maintenance/support costs. Keep in mind, this is a tool that should make your facility run more effectively and efficiently.

We mentioned previously that you should avoid non-integrated solutions. However, modular EMR solutions like AccessEMR solve for integration and customization simultaneously. What aspects of your facility are crucial for you to streamline? Make sure you find a solution that meets that at the very minimum. If other bells and whistles are available as a value-add without adding significant cost to the purchase, then that is a bonus. Typically, modular EMR solutions allow you to grow into the right solution over time.  

Maintenance and Support

Most EMR applications today are cloud-based, with no local installations needed. However, unforeseen issues may arise from time to time. There will still be a need for constant training for new modules and new staff. Ensure the company you opt with offers full technical support for your EMR. It should not merely be present but also easy to access and readily available.

Informatics

Your staff are trained experts in providing care for your patients, so it is safe to say they are not also informatics specialists. The EMR software you choose should assist your team in predicting outcomes and providing a better, safer environment for your patients. It should assist you with building trend reports so you can make better business and clinical decisions. Your criteria should include pre-built trend reporting templates and easy-to-use customization for specific reports you need. When you are attending demo presentations, ensure you see this for yourself.

Want to learn more?

Access eHealth Technologies is committed to providing EMR solutions tailored to the needs of your individual facility. Book a demo with us today and learn more about how AccessEMR can help you and your facility.

The post How to Choose the Right EMR Software for Your Facility appeared first on Access eHealth.

What is osteoporosis?

In its most literal sense, the osteoporosis means “porous bones” and is a disease that causes a loss of bone density. When a person has osteoporosis, mild stresses such as coughing or bending over can cause these porous bones to fracture with life-threatening outcomes. At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their lifetime. As many as 28% of women and 37% of men who suffer from a hip fracture will die within the following year. With approximately 2 million Canadians suffering from osteoporosis, fractures caused by the disease are more common than heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer combined. Osteoporosis also has an impact on the quality of life of those affected, including a life-altering loss of mobility, a loss of independence, lower self-esteem, and pain and suffering. While the bone disease is most prevalent among those ages 50 years or older, it can affect people of any age.

What are some of the risk factors?

Low calcium intake
Having a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, especially during a child’s development to 20 years of age, increases the risk of osteoporosis later. Each person has a “bone bank” account in which they can “deposit” and “withdraw” bone tissue from. After the age of 20, bone “withdrawals” begin to exceed “deposits.” Therefore, you are more likely to develop osteoporosis if you did not reach your peak bone mass during your bone development years.

Age
During childhood and teenage years, new bone mass is developed faster than old bone mass is lost. This results in heavier, denser, and larger bones. However, just as we mentioned in the above paragraph, bone formation begins to slow until we reach the peak of our bone mass. At this point, the human body will lose bone mass faster than it can develop.

Sex
It is a known fact that women are more prone to osteoporosis than men because women tend to have smaller, thinner bones. In addition, estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, also protects a woman’s bones. When women reach menopause, estrogen levels decrease sharply, compounding the risk of developing osteoporosis in women.

Sedentary lifestyle
Load-bearing physical activities develop strong bones and promotes balance and good posture, all of which are beneficial to your bones and reduces the risk of falling. People who spend a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than those that are more active.

Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption
While the precise role that tobacco plays in osteoporosis remains unclear, it has been shown that tobacco use contributes to weaker bones. For alcohol, drinking on occasion will not have long-term effects on your bones; however, regular consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day can increase your risk of osteoporosis.

How can I prevent osteoporosis?

While there are some factors that play in how much of a risk your body is to osteoporosis such as race, gender, and age, you have a direct influence in these factors:

Nutrition
Calcium is essential to proper bone health. Men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 require 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. This amount increases to 1,200 milligrams for women at the age of 50 and men at the age of 70. Vitamin D is also vital to maintaining a healthy bone density to increase absorption of calcium in the body. Healthy adult between the ages of 19 and 50, require 400-1,000 IU (international units) of Vitamin D daily. If you are over the age of 50, or are a younger adult at high risk, daily intake should be between 800-2,000 IU daily through food or supplements.

Consider the bioavailability of the food and calcium supplements you consume as well. Bioavailability refers to how much calcium is available to the body and how much of it can be absorbed by the body. It is important to consider how well it can be absorbed, too. For example, vegetables such as spinach and rhubarb contain calcium, but may also contain oxalates that bind with it. In these cases, the calcium would then be unavailable for absorption and cannot be considered good sources of calcium.

If you are on calcium supplements to increase your daily intake such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate, consider taking them with a meal as they are not as easily absorbed into the body on an empty stomach.

Lifestyle
When bones are not being used for exercise, it tells that body that it no longer requires the bone mass it once did. This results in weaker, thinner bones and increases the risk of fractures. Apart from losing muscle mass, this is the same reason why it is vital for astronauts working in microgravity to exercise daily. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle can slow bone loss and reduce the chances of osteoporosis.

If you are over the age of 50, consider low impact exercises such as Tai Chi. Research has shown that Tai Chi improves body strength, balance, and mobility without the added risks of other high impact exercises. In addition to being a highly accessible and affordable activity, Tai Chi is considered to be a safe form of exercise for people with low bone density.

Conclusion

What was thought to be part of aging for everyone, osteoporosis studies have shown that this disease can be prevented by maintaining an active lifestyle and smart eating habits. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult to exercise for everyone, especially in long-term health care facilities where residents are at higher risk than the rest of the population. In order to maximize the protection and safety of those living in these homes, strict protocols must be enforced. This includes self-isolating in their respective rooms for several weeks, increasing stress levels and the need to socialize with their families.

Access eHealth Technologies software, AccessEMR, alleviates two of these pain points. First, families can reconnect with their loved ones once again using our virtual video conferencing solutions. Secondly, physiotherapists can schedule activities remotely and provide guided exercises for residents to follow. Finally, AccessEMR is equipped with trend analysis tools to predict potential falls within the facility. For more information, please read our family communications blog.

AccessEMR will provide better solutions for nursing homes and home care facilities so they can allocate more of their efforts on what is most important: Providing better quality of care to their patients. Book a demo with us today to learn more about our product features and how we aim to improve long-term care facilities across the North America.

The post November is Osteoporosis Month appeared first on Access eHealth.

As digital health technology becomes more streamlined and easier to use, Canadians are finding it to be their preferred method of accessing their health records. Canadians can securely view their personal health information online, connect to their family doctors, set up a virtual consultation, or even receive electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions). While this benefits patients across the country, it also streamlines the workflow for care providers.

We cover more information on how digital health has transformed our medical system in our blogs here.

However, the transition has created some difficulty and concerns about what digital health means for both Canadians and care providers. Some of these concerns are not necessarily based on facts. Here are 14 digital health myths debunked.

The following information was sourced from Canada Health Infoway.

1. Online mental health support is impersonal and ineffective, so Canadians aren’t interested in using it.

In 2019, a study done by Canada Health Infoway found that more than half of Canadians were interested in using electronic tools to support their mental health. Regardless of age, income, education level, and culture, mental health can affect everyone. Digital health solutions reduce stigma and make it easier to receive mental health support. Both children and adults can find resources online from their respective provinces to help improve their mental wellbeing.

2. Canadians do not have online access to their health information.

As of 2019, most Canadians can access their personal health information by electronic means. Provincial portals are set up for many citizens in Ontario and British Columbia and all citizens in Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have access to their health information.

3. Canadians are not comfortable with their health information being shared electronically between doctors and other health care professionals that care for them.

A study done by Canada Health Infoway in 2017 found that 85% of Canadians agree that doctors and other health care professionals require timely and easy access to patients’ health information so they can provide high-quality care.

4. I will not understand my lab results if I access them online because they are too complicated.

It was found that 76% of Canadian patients were confident that they understood their lab results in a study done in 2015.

5. The quality of care offered in a virtual visit is not as good as the care in a face-to-face visit.

While there are several cases that can only be completed through in-person visits, other occasions can be accomplished through virtual visits. This not only reduces the workload on care providers but simplifies the process for patients. In a BC study, 79% of patients who had a virtual visit felt that the quality of care was the same as an in-person visit. Furthermore, 91% of patients said that their online visit helped with the health issue they originally scheduled the appointment for.

6. Digital health will marginalize populations who may not have online access.

Canada is one of the most connected countries in the world. The Government of Canada states that 90% of Canadians today have access to the Internet through one form or another and that will continue to improve. The 2019 federal budget states that by 2026, 95% of Canadian homes and businesses will have access to internet download speeds of at least 50 mbps and upload speeds of 10 mbps. By 2030, no matter where you are in the country, 100% of citizens will have fast and reliable Internet access.

Connection to the Internet simply is not a barrier for most Canadians. Physical access to a medical facility, on the other hand, is a known barrier. Digital health resources reduce this barrier.

7. Digital health is only for the young and tech savvy.

It was found that 90% of Canadian households—including elderly citizen homes—have access to the Internet. Additionally, 74% of Canadians over the ages of 55 years own a smartphone or tablet.

An Internet connection and device capable of accessing the Internet is all a person needs to access digital health services and resources. There are also programs available for seniors to teach them how to use tools like Telehealth services.

8. If patients are able to view lab test results online before talking to their doctors, they will be overly anxious.

In the same study answering Myth #4, it was also reported that there is no significance increase in a patient’s level of anxiety upon receiving their laboratory test results.

9. Doctors will be flooded with calls if patients have access to their results online.

When patients have access to their lab results online, it is in fact the opposite. Patients who have access to their lab results through an online portal are less likely to call their physicians to request additional information.

10. Patients do not want to see their health information and will not find the information useful.

As many as 79% of Canadians say they can access or would like access to their health information online. Those that do have access find it beneficial. 94% of patients that currently use a portal to access their information said they valued viewing their health information online and 74% say it helps them have more informed discussions with their doctor.

11. Digital health is just for health care providers.

While digital health solutions are a boon to health care providers by saving them time and reducing redundancies in their workflow, providing timely access to patients’ health information creates empowerment and engagement which is linked to improved chronic disease management. In addition, patients who have access to their health information are less likely to use urgent or after-hour services.  

12. There has been little-to-no progress in digital health in Canada.

The number of family physicians using electronic medical records (EMRs) jumped from 39% in 2009 to 86% in 2017 and continues to grow today. Additionally, it is estimated that 330,000 health care professionals use connected health information systems across the country. The number of Canadians accessing their health records has risen from 2 in 10 Canadians in 2015 to 7 in 10 Canadians in 2019.

13. The government and insurance companies will be able to see my digital health records.

Every province and territory have laws set in place to protect the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information. As such, governments of all levels and insurances companies do not have access to identifiable information in your digital health records. The only exception of when identifiable information is disclosed is when it is used for lawful purposes or when you have provided consent.

14. I don’t have a right to access my health record.

As a Canadian, you have a right to access your health record. You can make a formal request to access your health records through your health record trustee. A health record trustee is responsible for proper use and management of your records and, in most cases, this would be your health care provider.

There are also other ways to access your health records online. As mentioned in the above myths, the proliferation of EMRs is exponential. Modern EMRs such as AccessEMR have built-in patient portals or other personal health record systems for patients to view their records whenever they wish.

Learn more about AccessEMR

At Access eHealth Technologies, our goal is to provide a high-quality cloud-based medical software to the fastest-growing segment of the Canadian population—our seniors and the elderly. AccessEMR aims to accelerate the adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) among long-term post-acute care facilities. With its built-in redundancy and security features, AccessEMR helps health care providers protect your health information, while providing access to authorized users with ease. If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about our software, book a demo with us today.

The post 14 Digital Health Myths Debunked appeared first on Access eHealth.

Integration

You do not want to cut corners on integration. An EMR software has the capabilities of integrating your facility with every key stakeholder — internally and externally — and every aspect of effectively running your organization. Many EMR platforms were built to manage only a few narrow processes, such as patient intake, with additional modules built later to increase capabilities. While this form of solution-building may tick the boxes on your wish list, there may be elements of each module that run as independent applications and cannot truly be integrated. For example, your TeleHealth and Family Communication capabilities shouldn’t simply be add-ons.

In your diligence stage, we recommend you check to see what that integration looks like. Is it a series of patches and workarounds that could lead to delays and complications down the road? Your investigation of the right EMR solution should lead you towards a comprehensive suite of fully integrated modules working together in a single application. Everything in AccessEMR Nursing Home and AccessEMR Home Care works together as seamlessly as your facility’s team of care providers.

Cost vs Benefit

The monthly and onboarding costs for various EMR software solutions may vary immensely. Some have attractive entry-level pricing with rates increasing as you add solutions and capabilities. Others have all the capabilities your facility could ever need and a price tag to match. The options are extensive, and it may seem difficult to determine which EMR application is best for your team. We recommend you concentrate on the capabilities your team needs and your budget — not just the software costs but onboarding, training, and maintenance/support costs. Keep in mind, this is a tool that should make your facility run more effectively and efficiently.

We mentioned previously that you should avoid non-integrated solutions. However, modular EMR solutions like AccessEMR solve for integration and customization simultaneously. What aspects of your facility are crucial for you to streamline? Make sure you find a solution that meets that at the very minimum. If other bells and whistles are available as a value-add without adding significant cost to the purchase, then that is a bonus. Typically, modular EMR solutions allow you to grow into the right solution over time.  

Maintenance and Support

Most EMR applications today are cloud-based, with no local installations needed. However, unforeseen issues may arise from time to time. There will still be a need for constant training for new modules and new staff. Ensure the company you opt with offers full technical support for your EMR. It should not merely be present but also easy to access and readily available.

Informatics

Your staff are trained experts in providing care for your patients, so it is safe to say they are not also informatics specialists. The EMR software you choose should assist your team in predicting outcomes and providing a better, safer environment for your patients. It should assist you with building trend reports so you can make better business and clinical decisions. Your criteria should include pre-built trend reporting templates and easy-to-use customization for specific reports you need. When you are attending demo presentations, ensure you see this for yourself.

Want to learn more?

Access eHealth Technologies is committed to providing EMR solutions tailored to the needs of your individual facility. Book a demo with us today and learn more about how AccessEMR can help you and your facility.softdsoftare

The post How to Choose the Right EMR Software for Your Facility appeared first on Access eHealth.

We’ve encountered both terms being used interchangeably, and—quite often—inaccurately. It is understandable why many often confuse these two words together, because they both contain the suffix, “-demic”. However, they vary greatly by the scale of infection. From their Greek roots, “-demic” is derived from “demos” meaning “people.” Therefore, when we hear “pandemic disease” or “epidemic disease,” we know that it is a disease affecting a distinct population.

What is an endemic?

Merriam-Webster defines an endemic as something “restricted or peculiar to a locality or region”. When we talk about diseases being endemic, that disease is native to, natural to, or confined to a place or a population of people. Take malaria, for example. Malaria is said to be endemic to tropical regions due to the region’s high, year-round temperature and heavy rainfall.

What is an epidemic?

The World Health Organization defines an epidemic as an “occurrence in a community or region of cases of an illness, specific health-related behaviour, or other health-related events clearly in excess of normal expectancy.” The prefix, “epi-” means “on, upon, near, at” in Greek. Therefore, an epidemic can be thought of as the start of a rapidly spreading disease that affects a community or region but is not quite as widespread as a pandemic. For example, a municipal government can declare an epidemic of measles within their city and close all public areas as a precautionary measure.

What is an outbreak?

The World Health Organization defines an outbreak as “the occurrence of disease cases in excess of normal expectancy. The number of cases varies according to the disease-causing agent, and the size and type of previous and existing exposure to the agent.” While outbreak and epidemic may seem similar, the former is a sudden eruption or occurrence of cases of any scale. It may affect a small, localized group of people, or impact millions across a continent. Let’s look at the example above regarding measles. Despite the declaration of an epidemic by the city, a localized outbreak may occur within a retirement home that was otherwise “measles-free.”

What is a pandemic?

If prefix “pan-” in “pandemic” means “all,” “of everything,” or “involving all members of a group,” then one can assume a pandemic disease is a disease that has spread across a region larger than an epidemic, possibly worldwide. The World Health Organization officially defines a pandemic as “an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people.”

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic primarily for its worldwide infection, but this declaration pushes national and global health agencies to respond to the situation with greater urgency, creating swift awareness of the measures to control it.

How is Access eHealth helping the cause?

Access eHealth Technologies is hard at work giving medical professionals working in long-term care facilities the tools they need to combat against the pandemic. Our solution comes in the form of software-as-a-service, AccessEMR, with the intent to ease the workload of long-term healthcare facilities—especially during COVID-19 where precautions are heightened to protect high-risk residents from potential exposure. Several features are available to ease daily tasks or streamline processes, like offering family communication tools to see their loved ones during self-isolation or providing tracking and analytics tools to prevent and/or control the spread of the virus.

If your long-term medical care facility is looking for a robust system that can handle your everyday workflow, book a demo with us today to learn more.

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