Care Initiatives Deploys Voice Technology

Care Initiatives, the largest not-for-profit organization based in West Des Moines, Iowa, will deploy Vocollect Healthcare Systems' AccuNurse voice technology across its entire skilled nursing facility (SNF) enterprise.

AccuNurse voice-assisted care enables real-time access to information and other staff, the elimination of paper-based printouts for managing care needs and documentation, the ability for caregivers to make decisions more accurately and quickly, and, the ability for the care team to multitask while documenting care, thereby improving productivity and directing more time back to residents.

"Accuracy of documentation is vitally important to all SNFs," said Char Schlepp, vice president and director of operations at Care Initiatives. "Our use of the AccuNurse voice technology has allowed our staff to document patient care immediately instead of at the end of their shifts. This means that the data is much more accurate and penalties can be avoided. Our nursing staff is truly empowered by voice, and those who don't have it yet are constantly asking when they will be getting it."

"Voice is the most advanced care technology available today, and Care Initiatives has set the bar for outcomes-driven care throughout its skilled nursing enterprise," said Maureen Ladouceur, vice president of clinical solutions at Vocollect Healthcare Systems. "All of their facilities will benefit from real-time communication and documentation, and clinical solutions expertise from AccuNurse. Voice technology positions Care Initiatives to continue delivering clinical excellence and providing for the special needs of seniors throughout Iowa."

Care Initiatives announced in March that it was deploying AccuNurse voice technology in three of its 44 SNF locations. The implementation of AccuNurse will continue on a rolling basis across 35 more SNF locations in 2011 and 2012.