In this month’s issue of Tech Time, we explore rising ICT investments, a new study that underscores the value of telehealth, and residents’ willingness to test out new technologies for entrepreneurs.
CAST also is sharing a couple of grant opportunities:
- The first grant opportunity is entitled “Using Robotics and Automation to Improve Accessible Transportation Options for Individuals with Disabilities.” The grant offers $500,000 through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program, with an application deadline of March 21, 2017.
- The second funding opportunity is for community partners and comes from the All of Us Research Program, a pioneering large scale precision medicine NIH initiative led by former Chair and founder of CAST, and CAST Fellow in Technology Innovation, Eric Dishman (see press release). The funding is to be used to engage, educate, and motivate volunteers to join and remain in the program. The application deadline is March 24, 2017.
News from CAST
Investments in information and communications technology (ICT) are on the rise. A Ziegler CFO Hotline survey found that in 2016, senior living providers invested in ICT infrastructure more than in any other technology. The study of nearly 115 Chief Financial Officers in senior living organizations was conducted with input from LeadingAge CAST.
Help Us Help You
As we roll out the new LeadingAge/CAST website and CAST newsletter format, we’d like to hear from you. How can we improve Tech Time to bring you even more value? Please take our quick 5-question survey.
News from LeadingAge and CAST Partners and Members
Please join CAST in welcoming 12 new organizations who have joined as CAST partners, supporters, patrons, and business associates since last fall.
This month, CAST members have announced a variety of new initiatives. These include updates and a new rollout for a connected-life platform, a partnership to improve document exchange, and deployment of secure personal networks for residents and staff.
Present at the LTPAC Health IT Summit
Do you have research, innovative ideas, or business case studies involving Health Information Technology (IT) to present at the 2017 Long-Term and Post-Acute (LTPAC) Health IT Summit? If so, submit your session abstracts by Friday, March. 3, 2017. The 13th annual summit takes place June 25-27, 2017, in Baltimore, MD.
Policy News
New measures at the federal level to encourage health IT interoperability and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) certification are on hold following President Trump’s 60-day regulatory freeze on all new and pending federal regulations. The rules, which grew out of the 21st Century Cures Act, affect the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC).
Technology News
More evidence for the effectiveness of telehealth comes from a recent cost analysis review by LeadingAge Silver Partner and CAST Supporter Philips. The Philips Intensive Ambulatory Care (IAC) pilot program at Arizona-based Banner Health, which involves 1,283 patients, has halved hospitalizations and the number of days in the hospital, reduced care costs by 35%, and dropped the 30-day readmission rate by 75%.
If you’re introducing new technology for older adults, take note of a recent trend. At retirement communities across the nation, residents are testing technology for companies. Robots, virtual reality headsets, robotic limbs, and more have undergone true user testing by those who would be most likely to buy.
Feel Free to Contact Me
If you have news to share with CAST or if I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me.