Recent research studied the phenomenon of technology abandonment, when nursing homes implement health information technology and do not scale, spread, or sustain it. Two LeadingAge CAST resources can help encourage tech adoption.

Nearly One-Third of Tech Initiatives Do Not Thrive

Over the two-year study period, 28% of nursing homes abandoned technology. During the same time, 44% of nursing homes participating in the study experienced growth in health information technology. Large nursing homes with more than 120 beds were more likely to abandon technology related to administrative activities. Study results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

The authors acknowledged that reasons for technology abandonment are unclear and that the issue is important to improve efficiencies and steward costs. “This study contributes to the limited understanding of technology abandonment and can serve as a building block for others working to ensure limited resources are used effectively to improve care for [nursing home] residents,” they wrote.

Ensuring Technology Adoption

Organizations may abandon technology for a variety of reasons, including upgrading to newer technology. Yet there are ways to ensure a good technology “fit” from the start and to create the best possible conditions for adoption.

Two LeadingAge CAST resources can help.

• Digital Transformation in Aging Services White Paper
  This guide can help organizations create buy-in for new implementations. It discusses how to build a culture around digital transformation, which creates the environment needed to support new implementations.

Leadership support for long-term projects, such as implementing electronic health records systems, is essential. Support and guidance from the C-suite, board, and related committee members will ensure the project is taken seriously and receives the resources it needs to succeed.

Engaging all members of the organization—from leadership to staff and residents—is also essential. By ensuring that all team members are aware of your organization’s commitment to digital innovation, and then practicing that culture consistently, you can increase a project’s chance of success.

Likewise, involving staff members in technology decisions, offering supportive training, and cultivating staff members to champion the technology, can increase staff adoption of new tech tools.

• Resident/Client Technology Guide
  To set the stage for residents and clients to embrace new technology, offer abundant training so that they understand the technology and its benefits. This CAST guide can help you to understand the different support, training, and potential business models for resident/client technology.