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The Challenge of Data Sharing in Senior Care
The 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting, taking place from November 2-5 in Boston, highlights a critical theme in the healthcare industry: improving data sharing in senior care. As the population ages, with 93% of adults aged 65 and older having at least one chronic condition, the need for a robust data-sharing infrastructure has never been clearer. This struggle is not just about technology; it's about changing the very approach to care that can ultimately enhance the quality of life for older adults.
The Importance of Interconnected Care
Keith Kasin, COO at Hillcrest, emphasized that by participating in California’s Data Exchange Framework (DxF), his organization could obtain much more than a quick overview of a patient’s hospital stay. With better insights into residents' histories and needs, care plans evolve, aiming to minimize hospital readmissions and improve overall outcomes. This interconnected approach supports a system where transitional care, from discharge to rehabilitation, functions seamlessly.
Benefits of Health Information Organizations
Rachel Goldberg, a senior consultant at Intrepid Ascent, illustrated how health information organizations (HIOs) facilitate data exchange among different care settings. For instance, when a patient is discharged from a skilled nursing facility and subsequently revisits an emergency department (ED), alerts can notify the original facility of this return. Such coordination allows caregivers to address underlying issues that may be causing frequent readmissions.
Barriers to Effective Technology Adoption
Despite recognition of technology's potential in senior care, significant barriers remain. The Argentum 2025 technology report indicates that 77% of organizations cite interoperability as a primary challenge. While many senior care organizations are adopting electronic health records (EHRs), the systems often fail to communicate effectively, creating silos of information. This disconnect can delay care and frustrate healthcare providers.
The Move Toward Standardization
Moreover, there is a pressing need for standardized definitions and metrics regarding health and wellness outcomes. Currently, only 26% of organizations report a unified understanding of these metrics, complicating efforts to track progress or participate in value-based care models. As the data landscape evolves, establishing these common standards will be essential in creating actionable insights and improving patient care.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration is Key
The need for collaboration among operators, vendors, and regulatory bodies has never been clearer. Many industry leaders, keen to break down barriers, express a desire to co-innovate with tech providers. Through shared initiatives and pilot programs, the senior living sector can begin to tackle interoperability challenges and enhance data-sharing practices that inform better resident outcomes.
Taking Action for the Future of Senior Care
As we look forward to the technologies that will shape senior living, it becomes evident that harnessing data effectively isn't just a goal; it is an imperative. Stakeholders in the healthcare system must remain committed to leveraging technology to ensure that every senior receives comprehensive support throughout their healthcare journey. Understanding and improving the radical shifts in data management will define the future of senior care.
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