Good news is finally coming for COVID-19, with vaccines and new therapeutics! Please read on to learn how to plan for their deployment. This month, we also announce the new LeadingAge Pandemic Playbook and its CAST technology chapter.
Read on to learn about CAST event highlights, the basics of data analytics, the importance of future-proofing your strategic planning for technology, and the first nanowave technology being used to prevent COVID-19 in senior living.
Plan Now for COVID-19 Vaccines and Distribution
As the first COVID-19 vaccines and new therapeutics become available, it is critical for aging services providers to start planning now to deploy them. That was the message from CAST International Chair Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., who spoke at the virtual CAST Commission meeting on Nov. 9, 2020. McClellan is the Robert J. Margolis Professor of Business, Medicine, and Policy and founding Director of the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy at Duke University.
Be sure to read the meeting summary, which covers the outlook for COVID-19, the future of payment reforms, and LeadingAge and CAST advocacy and accomplishments during the pandemic. You can also access our vaccine tools and resources for more information.
CAST Shares Tech Tools in LeadingAge Pandemic Playbook
For extensive resources on technology applications and telehealth in the pandemic, be sure to download the new LeadingAge Pandemic Playbook.
The Pandemic Playbook shares insight, wisdom, and critical lessons LeadingAge members have learned about serving older adults this year. CAST contributed extensive resources on telehealth, social connectedness technology, paying for enhanced technology, cybersecurity during a crisis, and much more. See a summary or go directly to the CAST/Technology chapter.
Telehealth and Thermal Imaging Among CAST Event Highlights
Check out recent media coverage that featured several sessions from the Collaborative Care HIT Summit that LeadingAge CAST convened Sept. 15-17, 2020, and the LeadingAge Annual Meeting Virtual Experience, held online Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 17-19, 2020. Session highlights include telehealth studies and implementation tips and the best uses of thermal cameras.
You may still purchase online access to Summit content, which will be live through Feb. 28, 2021.
The What and Why of Data Analytics
Data analytic technologies have become even more important during the pandemic, as they can help providers to know which residents are most at risk from the virus and to plan proactively. Read this important explanation of data analytics from LeadingAge CAST Senior Director Scott Code.
Data analytics solutions are so important that CAST is preparing a Technology Selection Tool on the topic. Please watch for it in early 2021.
Pandemic Makes Future-Proofing Technology Critical
In a recent Reach Radio podcast, I shared things that every post-acute care facility should know. Listen to learn how long-term strategic planning for technology allows you to pivot and meet residents’ needs, and more.
Nanowave Technology Comes to Senior Living
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network®, a LeadingAge Provider Member, has become the first aging services provider to deploy a new Nanowave technology device to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about this deployment and Nanowave technology, which is being expanded to address pathogens beyond COVID-19 and could assist with future infection control.
Contact Tracing Becoming a Strategy in Long-Term Care
For a recent article, I told McKnight’s Senior Living that I believe contact tracing soon will be a vital defense tool for future pandemics or large outbreaks. Learn more in “Contact tracing may come of age thanks to pandemic.“
Member News
Please join me in congratulating CAST members on recent acquisitions, thought leadership and publicity, plus new platforms and partnerships.
Contact Me
If you have any questions, information, or news to share with CAST, or if I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Wishing you very safe, healthy, and happy happy holidays, as well as a prosperous 2021!