Point of Care
Electronic Care Management Systems that have integrated “Point of care” principles into their electronic care management system have addressed these issues and have been able to demonstrate very real benefits from using a Point of Care system.

“Point of Care” is the capture of information/data at the point of care, that is, the carer providing the care, documents care information via a hand unit/PDA when or soon after care is provided.

The benefits of using a hand unit are twofold; all aspects of planned care are displayed on the hand unit including current interventions informing the carer of the individual needs of the resident. The format of the information is concise and specific and in reading the information the carer learns subliminally the language and type of information that is required when reporting any care information.

The other important benefit is the reporting/documenting of any changes to care needs in ‘now’ time rather than at the end of the shift when substantial amounts of information is forgotten compromising effective management of care. 

The immediate advantage is that staff are better informed and report accordingly, they are no longer confronted by the end of shift rush and remembering care information that is relevant to positive resident care outcomes and staff knowledge and skills.

The results are Timely quality documentation, timely quality care, and timely quality outcomes for residents, staff and management. The longer term advantages include improved outcomes in funding and demonstrating compliance with quality standards.