by Tim Gieseke MD, CMD

At CALTCM, we have developed an INTERACT implementation strategy to help facilities successfully embed this performance improvement project into their facilities care processes.  We have tested this strategy over the last year through a grant from the California HealthCare Foundation and are continuing to develop this project in partnership with several corporate SNF chains in our state.  The key issue for facilities implementing this project is how to efficiently make the INTERACT Tools readily available to their CNAs, Licensed nurses, physicians and NP/PAs.  

One of our leaders in this project, Dr. Albert Lam, has partnered with a software company to create TriageTRACE, a smartphone based solution that facilitates nearly instantaneous bidirectional paperless communication between all members of the team, report COC and implements configurable carepaths similar to INTERACT.  With TriageTRACE, a CNA can use the Stop and Watch tool to report electronically an early COC to her licensed nurse, who can electronically ask for more info, then assess the patient using SBAR, which is further customized by electronically accessing the Care Pathways.  This comprehensive note is then forwarded to the attending or on-call physician’s smartphone.  The physician can ask for more information electronically as well as give orders. TriageTRACE provides instant access to a history of SBAR information, so the physician can make informed decisions. The whole process is timed and available for later review by nursing leadership and the Medical Director.  This rapid response should be much more efficient and precise while allowing a quicker review of what happened, looking for what went well and what could be improved, while minimizing readmissions.

Dr. Lam and TriageTRACE are looking for facilities willing to partner with them to pilot this on a small scale to demonstrate the value proposition.  The pilot can be on a very small scale and is free to the facility with no obligations to the SNF.  I’ve attached a brief brochure about this project for your review. Please email the technologist, Ram Gopalan ([email protected]) for more information. Please note that this likely will become a commercial product and is not an endorsement by CALTCM of this app.

This project is well timed as we embrace the care of sicker and more complex patients, commonly referred to us for post-acute care.  With their diminished functional reserve, timely and precise care of COC’s will likely support a successful and less costly rehabilitation stay.

In addition, CALTCM, in collaboration with HSAG, is hosting a SNF 2.0 Readmission Webinar on March 29 at 1:00pm.  Click here to register today and take advantage of what we’ve learned in California.  

TriageTRACE Info