In order to offer effective medical management programs, case managers need to be aware of key health care trends and try to stay “one step ahead” of them. Clearly, the expanding symbiotic interface between technology and care management workflow processes is a prime example.

It is imperative in most health care settings that nurses understand how technology solutions can improve patient care. On the other hand, we also need to be cognizant of those situations where technology is not meeting baseline expectations or could even be a detriment.

There are five key IT attributes that case managers should keep in mind when assessing the efficacy of information technology (IT) applications:

• Integration: Are you working in an environment where technology is beginning or has already created an integrated IT platform? The elimination of “silos” and “paper” systems is an essential part of the equation.

• Interoperability: Does your health IT system interface with other critical systems? For example, data from electronic health care records including medical charts, claims, pharmacy data, lab data, health risk assessments and other data should be linked or viewed through one portal to optimize the flow of information.

• Automated Workflows: Does your IT system promote dynamic, rules-based workflows resulting in automated tasks such as “To-Do” lists, letter generation for patients or populations, etc.?

• Evidence-based Decision Making: Does your IT application utilize pre-defined, evidence-based care plans that can be auto-populated with linked problems, goals, interventions and expected outcomes?

• Enhanced Communication Links: Does your IT system allow you to communicate with patients, providers and other collaborators (and document those communications) through emerging platforms such as the Web, remote monitoring, texting, encrypted emails, and social networking?

In this new age of technology transformation, monitoring technology trends is more important than ever.

This blog was originally published in CMSA's February 2010 monthly newsletter. To view this post go here.