As we enter 2024, the skilled nursing industry finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with staffing challenges and adapting to a dynamic regulatory landscape. In this rapidly evolving environment, technology emerges as a key ally for providers seeking to enhance efficiency, improve patient and family experiences, and elevate outcomes across their facilities. In a recent technology roundtable series hosted by Skilled Nursing News in collaboration with CDW Healthcare, industry leaders shed light on the top three tech trends shaping the future of skilled nursing.
Trend #1: The Standardization of Technology
In the pursuit of delivering consistent, high-quality care, skilled nursing facilities are increasingly prioritizing the standardization of technology across multiple locations. Jim Thomas, Senior Director of Technology at LCS, a national senior living and long-term care operator, emphasizes the importance of not only exploring innovative technology ideas but also leveraging successful implementations across communities. This approach facilitates more rapid adoption of new technology solutions and enables providers to gather actionable data on common challenges such as fall reduction and prevention.
Standardizing technology not only streamlines implementation and support but also ensures scalability, supporting the long-term growth of organizations. By sharing insights and success stories across facilities, providers can create a cohesive approach to technology that benefits both staff and residents.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The trend of standardization lays the foundation for a tech-savvy future where the seamless integration of innovative solutions becomes the norm, fostering improved care practices and operational efficiency.
Trend #2: Staffing Driving Technology Investments
In a market saturated with diverse technology solutions, staffing challenges have emerged as a pivotal factor influencing technology investments. Organizations are actively involving frontline staff in technology discussions to identify inefficiencies and areas where solutions are most needed. David Anderson, CIO at AMFM Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers, underscores the importance of engaging with staff at the ground level to pinpoint pain points and foster a collaborative environment.
Active collaboration with frontline staff not only provides valuable insights but also ensures that technology decisions align with the realities of daily operations. This approach allows leadership teams to make informed decisions that address the financial and clinical impacts of the current hiring environment.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The intersection of technology and staffing will continue to evolve, with organizations leveraging frontline insights to tailor solutions that directly address the unique challenges faced by skilled nursing facilities.
Trend #3: Engaging All Stakeholders in the Technology Discussion
The success of technology implementation hinges on more than just internal considerations. Skilled nursing providers are recognizing the need to involve all stakeholders, including customers and decision-makers, in the technology discussion. Achieving buy-in from key leaders has proven to be a critical step, ensuring representation from all departments and addressing their unique needs.
Fred Shepherd, CIO of Avalon Health Care Group, emphasizes the importance of engaging those who will be using the technology, including both staff and residents. This collaborative approach, though challenging, enables providers to strike a balance between attractive amenities and workflow process enhancements, optimizing technology for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead to 2024
By actively engaging all stakeholders, providers can optimize technology investments to have a meaningful impact on customers, staff, and the organization as a whole, ultimately yielding a significant return on investment.
As we welcome a new year, the skilled nursing industry is poised for transformative changes driven by these technology trends. The integration of standardized, staff-driven, and stakeholder-engaged technology promises a future where skilled nursing facilities are not just adapting to change but actively shaping it. The journey to 2024 holds the promise of a tech-enabled landscape that enhances the quality of care, streamlines operations, and fosters a collaborative and patient-centric approach across the skilled nursing sector.
At TypoDuctions, we are at the forefront of supporting the skilled nursing industry’s technology advancements, aligning our marketing strategies with the trends that are shaping the future of care. As the industry grapples with staffing challenges and navigates a dynamic regulatory landscape, technology becomes a critical ally for providers seeking to enhance efficiency and elevate patient experiences. Our commitment to supporting the standardization of technology across multiple locations echoes the industry’s move toward delivering consistent, high-quality care. By actively participating in technology roundtable discussions and collaborating with industry leaders, we contribute to the seamless integration of innovative solutions that help our clients achieve their marketing goals.
As we enter 2024, TypoDuctions continues to play a pivotal role in the healthcare industry, fueled by frontline insights and ensuring that our solutions directly address the unique challenges faced by skilled nursing facilities. The journey to 2024 holds the promise of a transformative era, and TypoDuctions stands ready to support the industry in actively shaping and embracing these technological advancements.
