As the “baby boom” generation is aging, Long Term Post-Acute Care (LTPAC) operators will face numerous challenges to provide the care this generation will require. More people will live longer with chronic diseases. The numbers of people affected by diseases such as dementia, which affects cognitive function, and other diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) are rising and will continue to rise.

LTPAC providers will also have to continue to rise to meet the unprecedented levels of residents’ medical complexity.  Our future residents’ needs will be much different from the care provided in the past. This leads many people in LTPAC to question how we will overcome these challenges and the answer, in part, will be utilizing technology. Technology will help us to improve quality of care and enhance efficiency.

Telecommunications in LTPAC

Currently, most emerging technologies are focusing on older adults in acute care or the community setting but the incorporation of new technologies in LTPAC is also needed. The expansion of telecommunications will play an essential role in the ever-evolving LTPAC world.

As a nurse, I spent many hours waiting for a return phone call from a practitioner, while he/she is seeing patients in the office, rounding in the hospital, etc. Utilization of video conferencing to contact primary care practitioners for concerns would be immensely helpful, but could also be used for collaborating between primary and specialty care practitioners.

For example, a nurse notices a resident with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease has not had urinary output in over 8 hours. The nurse would video conference with the primary care practitioner and resident and/or family. The practitioner gives orders to manage the resident’s change in condition and the nurse executes the orders. Even after the new interventions, the resident still does not have any urinary output. Then, the nurse would video conference with the resident and/or family, the primary care practitioner and perhaps a nephrology specialist to determine the next steps for treatment, which could potentially prevent a transfer to an acute care setting.

Fostering real time communication, between not only the primary care practitioners but also others, will allow for better quality of care and efficiency. Long Term Post-Acute Care is constantly evolving; embracing technology will enable staff to perform their duties with proficiency. As Long Term Post-Acute Care staff will continue to see increased acuity, they must be empowered to provide more complex care. From a Nursing perspective, I would feel more confident providing complex care with practitioners available for consultation in real time. Although it can be a struggle to implement new technology, as with any change if staff understands the benefits of the technology it is much smoother sailing.