The power of software interoperability to optimise operations and deliver better care

Adopting an interoperable care management solution can transform the way aged care and disability providers operate by supporting secure data accessibility, boosting productivity, and enhancing care collaboration and quality service delivery.

Interoperable software allows users to exchange information in real time, limits the need for manual data entry and enhances communication for better care coordination. In today’s digital-first world and with the directive for providers to deliver value-based care, an end-to-end interoperable software solution is a necessity for healthcare organisations.

The problem with data silos

A lack of interoperability creates data silos, and data silos make it hard to access and share information, disrupting organisational coordination and the quality of client care. While aged care and disability providers often look to software to increase data accessibility, systems that do not seamlessly talk to each other often exacerbate the problem by creating multiple data silos. This leads to uninformed decision-making, an unsupported workforce and unnecessary inefficiencies. Worst of all, data silos can have a profoundly negative impact on the quality of care delivery.

According to Lumary, Australia’s leading digital platform provider for the disability and aged care industries, there are four main signals that indicate an organisation may be experiencing data silos:

• Duplication of data entry and inefficient business processes: Individual employees and teams throughout the organisation store information differently and in multiple locations, whether paper-based or digital.
• Poor care collaboration: Inefficient and inaccurate rostering, outdated contact details, incorrect billing information, and inconsistent or inaccurate notes result in poor care coordination across the organisation.
• Weak security management: Support workers use their personal electronic devices to store important information or operate from systems with weak protection against cyber attacks and hackers.
• Incomplete and inconsistent data sets: A framework for data is lacking, resulting in a greater risk of incomplete, inaccurate and inconsistent data sets.

What can interoperability do for healthcare providers?

Interoperability supports healthcare organisations with the proper infrastructure for a complete end-to-end data ecosystem. According to Lumary, with easy access to essential information and analytics, providers can make meaningful data-driven decisions regarding their clients, staff and overall operational efficiency.

By establishing the right data ecosystem, data can flow effortlessly throughout the business, creating efficiencies and transforming the entire organisation. This is known as data liquidity. It allows vital information to be readily available to everyone who needs it, from admin staff to support workers and clients, in real time from anywhere.

With an interoperable software solution, providers benefit from a true data ecosystem enabling better client services management, increased productivity and a vastly improved employee experience.

Reduce human error and inefficiencies

Human error can drastically increase when moving sets of data across multiple areas. A fully interoperable system reduces the chance for error and frees up more time to focus on organisational priorities. Ensuring compliant claiming and delivering person-centred care should be top of mind when considering whether or not systems are truly interoperable.

With one intelligent solution, there is a clear channel of communication from client intake through to the finance department. Incorporating an interoperable software solution that supports compliance with funding bodies such as the NDIS, HCP and CHSP, and automated billing and claiming, will not only save time but can increase data accuracy.

Better care management

A complete interoperable software solution creates a clear and holistic view of clients, placing them at the centre of care. Lumary understands how important this is. That is why everything from updates on notes to alerts, schedules and medications can be easily accessed from anywhere at any time using their integrated care management platform. If a client moves to a different location, a seamless transfer of data in real time helps maintain a single source of truth. Employees are more empowered, and organisations no longer need to rely on single individuals to provide accurate information.

Boost performance, productivity and sustainability

With improved care management comes increased organisational performance. By enabling support workers to operate from a single source of truth, organisations can minimise the burden of admin, reduce client waitlists and improve productivity. Better organisational data analytics also brings a 360-degree view of performance and highlights areas that need more attention.

With Lumary, intuitive reporting and analytics provide total visibility of providers’ entire client base, so they know exactly where clients are from intake through to care delivery. Interoperable NDIS and aged care software also allow for greater profitability through better billing and compliant claims, leading to fewer rejections.

With seamless integrations, whether directly with the NDIS or accounting software tools like MYOB and Xero, data automation in real time enables cleaner data and saves valuable time by eliminating the need to enter data across multiple systems. This ensures aged care and disability providers receive timely payments, providing greater certainty and allowing them to grow a more sustainable business.

Improve employee satisfaction

Employee retention and satisfaction is a big challenge in the aged care and disability industries. Better supporting employees helps improve their work–life balance, reduces unnecessary frustrations and helps staff focus their energy on care recipients. By investing in a better system, providers invest in their employees and, in return, they invest back into the organisation.

An interoperable software solution can support aged care and disability providers to build an efficient business, create a rewarding environment for their employees, and achieve better care coordination and high-quality care delivery.

Lumary is a complete interoperable care management solution purpose-built for aged care and disability providers. To find out how you can optimise your entire organisation with software interoperability, get in touch with the Lumary team. Head to www.lumary.com or reach out directly via [email protected].