PROVIDENCE – InterSystems, an information technology platform company based in Cambridge, Mass., announced a new functionality from the Rhode Island Quality Institute, allowing for Designee Alerts to health care customers.
The technology allows for designees – health care proxies of those experiencing a medical event – to improve communication, reduce care gaps and streamline medical decision-making.
RIQI’s statewide health information exchange, CurrentCare, connects every hospital in Rhode Island via InterSystems’ HealthShare platform, with the ability to share updates on a patient’s care or condition with a loved one in real time via email or text. If a patient is transferred, admitted or discharged, the caregiver would be fully informed right away.
“There has never been a precedent for providing this type of service to patients before … it holds great potential for patients across the country,” said Scott Young, RIQI senior director of product strategy and growth. “Particularly for patients with comorbidities or involved with end-of-life care, these alerts can be a game-changer for their loved ones.”
In 2015, RIQI was awarded funding for the initiative through a cooperative agreement program with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.
CurrentCare for Me was launched and adopted by 5,400 individuals since its inception; the ONC funding and program support enabled RIQI to develop the Designee Alerts service.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of working in health care IT is seeing how your technology can impact patient lives for the better. That’s exactly what we’re seeing from CurrentCare for Me and its Designee Alerts,” said Don Woodlock, vice president of HealthShare at InterSystems. “RIQI is delivering timely communications that matter most to everyone involved, and we’re proud to have HealthShare be the backbone to that revolutionary capability.”
Founded in 2001, RIQI is a collaboration of leaders in the state working to improve its health care system.
Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributor.
