How will integrating new technologies into existing systems affect staff training and workflow processes?
In the realm of remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM), implementing new tools, devices, or software is a common concern for healthcare organizations. The transition can be seamless when done right. It just takes some planning. The key lies in two aspects: Staff Training & Workflows.
Let’s dive deeper:
1. Staff Training
The nice thing about RTM is that much of the work required to bill for RTM is already being done in most clinics. For example, during initial evaluations where clinicians usually set up their patients on home exercise programs, the minor change for RTM may be something as simple as using a digital platforms or app.
Remember: the focus should be on understanding the platform interface, logging in, navigating patient views, etc. This basic level of training ensures that clinic staff can efficiently use the technology…
2. Workflow Integration
Shifting to a new tool might require slight adjustments to current workflows. However, many sophisticated platforms have built-in tracking mechanisms that make billing codes & documentation easier! Just remember to train your team on when & how to bill using these features.
Introducing RTM doesn’t necessarily mean revamping all workflows – Focus on changing small habits instead of massive overhauls. Utilize built-in features for ease-of-use Try to embrace change while keeping things simple!
Integrating Remote Therapeutic Monitoring into Your Clinic: Staff Training & Workflows
One of the questions I get asked a lot is in regards to remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM), specifically, what it takes to successfully implement this technology in a practice. Whether you are an organization that has developed an app, tool, device or software, or you’re a clinic looking to integrate these solutions into your workflow, there’s often concern about how doing so will impact staff training and existing processes. In this article, I explore some key considerations for integrating RTM without causing major disruptions.
Understanding the Role of RTM in Clinics
The nice thing about RTM is that much of the work required to bill for RTM is already being done in most clinics. For example, during initial evaluations where clinicians set up their patients on home exercise programs using digital platforms or apps.
The question then becomes less about radically changing workflows but more focused on understanding documentation requirements for billing purposes.
Staff Training for New Technologies
To effectively incorporate new technologies like RTM systems into your clinic’s operations requires some level of staff training. This may involve learning how to use different aspects of the platform such as logging in and navigating user interfaces both from clinician and patient perspectives. Once familiarized with the system itself, it’s simply a matter of transitioning from previous tools used by staff members when managing exercises and tracking patient progress.
In addition to basic functionality training for new platforms like RTM devices/software/tools/apps/etc., there are certain things required by remote therapeutic monitoring codes later down line; namely tracking patient logins frequency/time spent logged per session/clinician interaction instances/etc.. However most sophisticated programs already have features built-in allowing easy extraction & use.
Workflow Integration and Billing
On the workflow side of things, clinics need to consider when and how to bill for RTM services. Ideally, this should be handled by the device or platform itself through features like time trackers or instance logs that show patient activity. As clinicians interact with their patients online, platforms may alert them when specific billing thresholds are met (e.g., spending a certain amount of time with the patient). This helps ensure that proper documentation is in place for billing purposes without causing significant disruption to existing workflows.
Summary
Integrating remote therapeutic monitoring into your clinic’s operations doesn’t have to involve massive changes. Rather than overhauling entire processes, it’s more about adjusting small habits and ensuring staff members are adequately trained on new systems. By doing so, you can take advantage of innovative technologies like RTM while minimizing any negative impact on your practice.
What are some other things to consider when implementing technology & Remote Therapeutic Monitoring?
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Rafael E. Salazar II, MHS, OTR/L (Rafi) is the Principal Owner of Rehab U Practice Solutions and the host of The Better Outcomes Show and the author of Better Outcomes: A Guide to Humanizing Healthcare. His career trajectory includes 10+ years of experience in healthcare management, clinical operations, programmatic development, marketing & business development. He even spent some time as an Assistant Professor in a Graduate Program of Occupational Therapy and has served on numerous boards and regulatory committees. He has worked on projects ranging from patient engagement initiatives to marketing communication campaigns to a multi million dollar project assisting the State of Georgia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities transition individuals out of state institutions to community residences. His work on Telehealth has been discussed in Forbes.
Today, Rafi helps innovative healthcare companies like technology startups, platforms, and SaaS companies develop effective positioning strategy and business development plans through his consulting work. He also leverages his experience as a professor and academic to speak and train on the topics around humanizing the healthcare experience. In addition, Rafi also owns and operates ProActive Rehabilitation & Wellness, a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic treating patients with musculoskeletal pain.
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In short, we help your whole organization become focused on the most important thing in healthcare: people – the people who work for your organization, and the people who your organization treats or serves.
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