Joint Commission: Technology is not the solution to everything

With so many obvious problems in healthcare today, it's tempting to think that there is some panacea for the healthcare industry--perhaps health IT? But the Joint Commission has issued an alert warning us against thinking of technology that way.

The Joint Commission notes that while technology may assist, it can also cause problems. In fact, while there are studies out there showing benefits from technology when applied well, there is very little information about what happens when technology is applied incorrectly, or used without training.

However, the Joint Commission did note that there are a few situations which tend to compromise care, including when clinicians and other staff aren't included in the planning process, providers don't consider the impact of technology care processes, technology isn't updated and technology isn't fixed when it becomes "counterproductive." Also, the Joint Commission's analysis of errors shows that computerized medication orders and automated dispensing cabinets for medications are frequently cited in error reports.

The alert also recommends using the Joint Commission's own Information Management accreditation standards when applying technology.

To learn more about the alert:
- read this Joint Commission press release

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