Utilization of Technology by Long-Term Care Providers: Comparisons Between For-Profit and Nonprofit Institutions. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamann, Darla J.; Bezboruah, Karabi C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 25:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 535
• Page End: 554
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: health information technology -- nonprofit -- ownership -- nursing homes -- innovation; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264313480238
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

Abstract

Objective: We examine ownership differences in the use of technology in long-term care facilities.Method: We analyze two nationally representative surveys of administrators collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey and the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities.Results: We find that nonprofit nursing homes are more likely to use some computerized administrative functions and digital laboratory reports, and report use rates similar to for-profit organizations in other areas of health IT. Nonprofit residential care facilities are more likely to use electronic medical records and information exchange systems than their for-profit counterparts. In addition, nonprofit residential care facilities are more likely than for-profit facilities to digitize more types of information and use larger health information exchange networks.Discussion: The reasons for which nonprofit long-term care organizations report higher levels of some types of technology utilization are explored, and future research is recommended.