In Healthcare Forecasting And Projections Are Used To Look A ✓ Solved

In Healthcare Forecasting And Projections Are Used To Look At Future P

Discuss one of the scenarios below, making forecasts of your own.

Review existing posts from classmates and select a different scenario so all are covered. In your initial discussion post please address the following: Physical cost (space, equipment, etc), staffing cost, ongoing training & support, potential issues requiring pre-planning, and other relevant factors.

Scenarios:

1. A physician’s office implements an electronic health record system.
2. Workflow Process Improvement: Add a clinical team member in the ICU of a hospital who is adding 5 beds to the unit.
3. A community hospital launches a women’s healthcare service line which will be located on campus in an existing building.
4. A hospital develops a physician evaluation program in alignment with new standards requiring staff to train and oversee the program.
5. An assisted living facility, with 1 licensed nurse, launches a new telemedicine service which will provide well and sick appointments 3 days weekly for residents.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Forecasting and projecting future healthcare scenarios are critical processes that enable healthcare administrators and providers to plan efficiently and allocate resources effectively. This paper focuses on the scenario of launching a telemedicine service within an assisted living facility, exploring the physical costs, staffing costs, ongoing training and support, and potential issues requiring pre-planning.

Introduction

Telemedicine has increasingly become integral to healthcare delivery, especially within assisted living facilities where residents often require frequent medical attention but face mobility challenges. Introducing a telemedicine service that operates three days a week provides an opportunity to expand healthcare access, improve quality of care, and reduce hospital readmissions. However, successful implementation necessitates thorough forecasting and planning to address various operational, financial, and logistical considerations.

Physical Costs

The physical costs associated with launching the telemedicine service primarily include the acquisition and installation of necessary technology and infrastructure. High-quality, HIPAA-compliant equipment such as tablets or computers with cameras, microphones, secure internet connectivity, and dedicated private consultation spaces are essential. The facility may need to allocate space within the assisted living environment for a dedicated telemedicine room or area that ensures privacy and quietness for effective consultations.

Additional costs could involve upgrading existing internet infrastructure to support high-bandwidth video communication, as well as purchasing backup power supplies to prevent disruptions during sessions. Physical security measures must also be reinforced to ensure patient confidentiality and data protection, especially given the sensitive nature of healthcare interactions.

Staffing Costs

Staffing costs encompass the hiring or reallocation of personnel responsible for managing telemedicine sessions, technical support, and patient coordination. While the licensed nurse may oversee clinical aspects, additional staff such as a telehealth coordinator or technician is advisable to handle scheduling, troubleshoot technical issues, and assist residents during appointments. This may entail forming a small dedicated team or training existing staff in telehealth operations.

The nurse's role expands to include not only clinical assessments but also facilitating the virtual visits, ensuring devices are functioning correctly, and communicating with physicians as needed. Consequently, staffing costs will include salaries, potential overtime pay for extended hours, and ongoing support for technical and clinical coordination.

Ongoing Training & Support

Continuous training is vital for both staff and residents to maximize the benefits of telemedicine. Staff must be trained on the operation of telehealth equipment, troubleshooting common technical problems, and maintaining patient confidentiality. Residents, especially those unfamiliar with digital technology, require orientation sessions on how to use devices comfortably and confidently during virtual visits.

Support can include regular refresher courses, updates on new software features, and hands-on technical support. Establishing a dedicated help desk or support team ensures prompt resolution of issues, minimizes downtime, and enhances user confidence. Additionally, training on privacy protocols is essential to comply with HIPAA and other regulations.

Potential Issues Requiring Pre-Planning

Several challenges must be anticipated and mitigated before the implementation of telemedicine services. Technology failures such as internet outages or equipment malfunction can disrupt care delivery, hence backup plans like secondary internet sources or mobile devices are necessary. Ensuring staff and residents are comfortable and compliant with technology use requires pre-education and ongoing support.

Legal and regulatory considerations are also paramount, including licensure requirements, billing, and reimbursement processes. Privacy concerns need to be addressed through secure platforms and staff training. Moreover, managing residents' expectations and ensuring consistent quality of care can pose challenges that require detailed protocols and oversight.

Lastly, integration with existing healthcare systems, electronic health records, and communication channels must be carefully planned to avoid data silos and fragmentation of information.

Conclusion

Implementing a telemedicine service in an assisted living facility presents numerous forecasted costs and operational considerations. Adequate planning surrounding physical infrastructure, staffing, training, and potential disruptions significantly enhances the likelihood of success. As healthcare continues to evolve, embracing telehealth technologies is not only a strategic move but a necessity for improving resident satisfaction and health outcomes.

References

• American Telemedicine Association. (2020). Telehealth Glossary and Acronyms.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021). Telehealth services in Medicare.
• Gajarawala, S. N., & Pelkowski, J. N. (2021). Telehealth benefits and barriers. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 10(5), 1791–1794.
• Hunsaker, A., & Maughan, E. (2020). Telehealth and telemedicine: A review of technology implementation and barriers. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care, 50(2), 100780.
• Kruse, C. S., Krowski, N., Rodriguez, B., et al. (2017). Telehealth and patient satisfaction: a systematic review and narrative analysis. BMJ Open, 7(8), e016242.
• Mehrotra, A., et al. (2020). Rapid adoption of telehealth in response to COVID-19: Opportunities, challenges, and policy implications. JAMA, 324(12), 1250-1251.
• Shigekawa, E., et al. (2018). The current state of telehealth evidence: a systematic review. Geohealth, 2(2), 157-171.
• Vimalananda, V. G., et al. (2020). Electronic health records and telehealth integration in long-term care. Healthcare, 8(3), 241.
• World Health Organization. (2010). Telemedicine: opportunities and developments in member states.
• Zhai, Y., et al. (2021). Implementing telehealth in long-term care facilities: lessons learned. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 22(3), 537-543.