RESULTS

According to preliminary findings, the technology has led to a 50 percent reduction in pneumonia readmissions, a 7 percent reduction in risk-adjusted length of stay, and a 9 percent improvement in HCAHPS scores.

"We are using the technology to help with team-to-team coordination and access to clinical data," Rosenbach stated.

Groups using the technology during clinical rounds access real-time data about their patients 50 percent more often than teams that don't, but spend 25 percent less time logging into their devices, TrekIT research showed.

The care coordination technology also reduces the time spent on documenting/cutting-pasting information from the chart because it supports a workflow that is more in line with how caregivers actually practice medicine, instead of trying to emulate paper charts.

"Additionally, given that it is real time and does not rely on paper, it is more HIPAA-compliant and easier to update than most EHR-based handoff systems," he said. "This makes it easier to maintain key patient information from setting to setting and one hospitalization to another."

80 percent of users report that the technology saves them time and three out of four users believe it has reduced errors, TrekIT research showed.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

Everyone wants doctors to spend less time typing at a computer and more time with meaningful patient engagement.

"Most EHRs are clunky, slow and cumbersome," Rosenbach said. "This, on the other hand, is a tool that has been nimble, secure and efficient. It boosts clinicians' morale, helps ease transitions across teams and clinical sites, while at the same time reducing complications and readmissions. Bottom line is it saves money, improves outcomes and improves physician burden."

Twitter: @SiwickiHealthIT
Email the writer: bill.siwicki@himssmedia.com