Technology Upgrade Will Improve Patient Care

Golden LivingCenters are transitioning to a new long-term care software system known as PointClickCare (PCC). The Web-based technology furthers Golden Living's advancement toward a more complete electronic health record and will help LivingCenters increase efficiency and improve clinical care.

The PointClickCare system is designed to make data entry easier and faster, enabling nurses to spend more time with their patients. PCC incorporates a drug information library aimed at reducing drug interactions and allergic reactions to medications. Additionally, a PCC "dashboard" feature allows nurses to view consolidated patient information - such as diagnosis, allergies, and special physician orders - on one screen.

PointClickCare software automates the assessment process required by the federal government for patients in Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities. The PCC system also will improve the Golden Living admissions process by helping to better track LivingCenter inquiries and appropriately place potential residents. The integrated system will automatically transfer data collected during the patient referral process to clinical records created for those who are admitted. Additionally, the PCC software enables computerized physician order entry.

Beyond improving clinical care and admissions, PointClickCare software will provide administrative benefits for Golden Living. Future upgrades to PCC technology at Golden Living will create an integrated clinical and billing system that will enable nightly updates of charges.

Over the long-term, Golden Living plans to add electronic medication administration and the ability to create customized assessments, surveys, and other forms to its PointClickCare system. Golden Living also may add a function to PCC that will give caregivers the ability to access patient data from anywhere within a LivingCenter.

This significant investment in technology is a reflection of Golden Living's commitment to outstanding patient care, improved staff efficiency and effectiveness, and continuous quality improvement.