Driving Change in Healthcare: A Reflection on SUMMIT ‘24

At PointClickCare, we put people at the center of all that we do. This has never been more apparent than at our annual SUMMIT user conference last month, where we focused on the changemakers who are on the frontlines, navigating the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Rather than simply adapt to change, we’re truly collaborating with our customers to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges.

Setting the Stage: The “More Problem”

In 2024, the healthcare industry is grappling with what I term the “more problem” — fewer staff, an influx of acute patients, escalating regulations, shifting payment models, and impending population shifts. To thrive in this environment, we need more resources, time, and expertise.

Achieving Balance through Technology

Technology emerges as the solution to the “more problem,” enabling us to do more with less. Innovation through technology is poised to serve as the great neutralizer today and in the years to come. We are focused on driving efficiency, collaboration, and connection through purpose-built innovation as the foundation of our work. 

At PointClickCare, we’re creating products that seamlessly integrate clinical workflows, providing relevant information where the care team needs it. The result? Faster clinical decisions with a reduction of 30-60 minutes, allowing more time for impactful resident care.

Advancing Care through Purpose-Built Workflows

Previously, replicating paper forms in the cloud was the norm for electronic health records (EHR), but today we’re championing purpose-built workflows tailored to specific roles and industries.

PointClickCare is making significant investments in technology designed explicitly for senior living communities. Our commitment to efficiency led us to launch Pharmacy Connect, a powerful software solution that’s transforming medication management for senior living communities and the pharmacies that serve them. This product empowers care teams by simplifying communication, reducing errors, and allowing more time for meaningful resident care.

The complexity of providing care for increasingly higher acuity residents means that staff spend a significant amount of time supporting daily medication regimens. In fact, assisted living residents need an average of 10 medications daily, often relying on multiple physicians and pharmacies for their medications. Ensuring residents receive the correct and optimal medications for their needs at the right time and avoiding duplication or drug interactions is essential to keeping them safe, healthy, and happy.

Collaboration for Quality Outcomes

In 2024, more than 50% of all Medicare patients will be covered under a value-based care arrangement, and by 2030, that number is forecasted to reach 100%. Collaboration is key to driving quality outcomes, and in today’s landscape, connectivity is non-negotiable. This year, PointClickCare introduced Connect for senior living, a network that streamlines information exchange, reducing admission time, improving care delivery, and preventing readmissions.

Our commitment at PointClickCare extends beyond connectivity. We’re the first Long-Term and Post-Acute Care (LTPAC) Certified E.H.R., continually investing to meet and exceed industry standards. The ONC CEHRT Certification reinforces our dedication to interoperability, ensuring compliance with regulations, streamlining Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting, and enhancing overall quality. This achievement sets a new industry standard, aligning seamlessly with value-based reimbursement models. By consistently surpassing industry standards, we position ourselves at the forefront of innovation, equipping healthcare providers with the tools they need for high-quality care in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Embracing the Future with AI

Our commitment to innovation is centered on standardization and insights. I had the great opportunity to introduce Nursing Advantage, now combined with our new AI-powered Progress Notes. This breakthrough innovation streamlines the documentation processes, ensures standardized assessments, and enhances overall efficiency. We are enthusiastic about the potential of emerging technologies, particularly AI, and are dedicated to responsible growth in this dynamic field.

Beyond this, we foresee tremendous opportunity in areas like data summarization to facilitate communication during shifts or resident transfers. The rapid pace of innovation in technology is thrilling, and we’re actively investing in and exploring advancements in AI and machine learning. Our partnerships with industry leaders, such as Microsoft, also ensure that our solutions are state-of-the-art, validated, accurate, and secure. We take the principles of Responsible AI seriously, emphasizing validation, accuracy, security, and more in our quest to deliver cutting-edge solutions with confidence.

Where We’re Headed

As we journey beyond SUMMIT 2024, I encourage you to shift your focus from more to better. I’m eager to witness the inspiration, innovation, and leadership that will unfold over the next year. Let’s create a better future for healthcare together.