Healthcare AI Technology

Interview Report: Assistant Director Nurse Juliet and Quality Assurance Nurse Elaine Piol of Pacific Palms Healthcare, Long Beach California

Interview Conducted By: Nathaniel Santos Date of Interview: March 14, 2025 Location: Long Beach California

Overview of Pacific Palms Healthcare

Pacific Palms Healthcare was established and licensed in 2006. According to Ms. Mckin, the facility has expanded over the years, enhancing staff care knowledge and capabilities. Staff members have been able to take on different roles to better provide for patient care and needs. The facility currently has 133 shared rooms, with each room accommodating two patients.

Patient Demographics

Ms. Piol reported that the facility primarily serves senior citizens, though they occasionally care for patients younger than 55 years old with dementia or other memory loss illness.

Admission Process

The initial acceptance process typically begins with referrals from doctors or other healthcare facilities. Prospective patients are thoroughly assessed by the Assistant Nurse Director and Quality Assurance team, who have access to the Point-Click-Care Matrix to review historical behavior and psychotropic medication usage.

The facility maintains high standards for patient acceptance. A history of violence toward staff or other patients is a disqualifying factor for admission.

Activities and Engagement

The facility employs an activity coordinator who develops plans for patients based on age groups and medical conditions. Activities are posted on facility walls and are generated monthly. All activities must comply with guidelines established by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Safety Monitoring and Surveillance

For safety purposes and compliance with HIPAA, surveillance cameras are installed in hallways and at the front and back entrances of the facility, but not inside patient rooms. Residents are monitored by staff 24/7.

Technology Infrastructure

Current Systems

· The facility primarily uses the Point-Click-Care system for electronic health records and communication between providers and staff regarding patient needs

· Care planning is based on data annotated in patients' referral notes within Point-Click-Care

· The system is fully integrated with hospitals and can be accessed based on user security levels:

· Nurses and doctors have in-depth authorization to view and make recommendations on treatments and medications

· Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) have limited access to treatment information and routine medication schedules

Technology Challenges

Staff identified manual tracking systems (logbooks) as a main challenge. The interviewees expressed interest in AI implementation to improve paper tracking but noted that many staff members are older and may have difficulty trusting new technologies. Additionally, the facility has been hesitant to hire technical experts to manage advanced systems.

Care Planning Process

When a referral is received, the Quality Assurance Nurse or Assistant Nurse Director conducts a thorough review of the patient's history, including behavioral patterns, ongoing illnesses, and medications.

Staff Roles

· Caregivers: Provide basic care including toileting assistance, feeding, medication administration, mobility assistance for activities, and physical therapy support

· Nurses: Supervise CNAs and oversee patient care

· Family Members: Welcome to visit loved ones by appointment during the day

Future Improvements

The interviewees indicated that transitioning to a paperless system would improve workflows, particularly if paired with data analytics. However, they cited concerns about HIPAA regulations and privacy laws as potential barriers to technological advancement in healthcare settings.

Mobile Applications

The only mobile application currently in use is the Point-Click-Care app.

Conclusion

Pacific Palms Healthcare demonstrates a commitment to patient-centered care through its rehabilitation focus and personalized approach. While the facility maintains high standards of care, there appears to be room for technological advancement to streamline workflows and improve efficiency, provided that privacy concerns and staff training needs are adequately addressed.

Interview Report: LT Archie Reyes, Nurse Department Head, Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) Interview Conducted By: Nathaniel Santos Date of Interview: March 17, 2025 Location: Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) Overview of NMCSD Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) serves as a premier military medical facility on the West Coast, providing comprehensive healthcare services to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. The center offers a range of services, including primary care, surgical procedures, emergency and trauma care, mental health services, rehabilitation, and dental care. As a regional referral medical center, NMCSD plays a vital role in military healthcare. Facility History and Evolution NMCSD has a rich history dating back to 1901, when the first Naval Hospital in San Diego was established. Over the decades, it has evolved from a small medical facility into a world-class military medical center. This transformation reflects advancements in military healthcare and the growing needs of service members and their families. Patient Demographics NMCSD provides medical care to a diverse patient population, including active-duty service members, veterans, and military dependents. The facility caters to all age groups, from newborns to seniors, ensuring that military families receive continuous and specialized care throughout their lives. Long-Term Care Admission Process Patients requiring long-term care beyond the hospital’s capabilities are transitioned to appropriate facilities, such as rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or hospices. The hospital works closely with these institutions to ensure a smooth transfer and continuity of care. Patient Engagement and Activities NMCSD emphasizes patient engagement through educational programs, wellness initiatives, and collaborative treatment planning. By encouraging active participation in their healthcare, patients can achieve better outcomes and an improved overall experience. Safety and Security Measures The hospital prioritizes security, with state-of-the-art surveillance systems and military police personnel ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. While patient rooms do not have individual cameras, the facility maintains strict monitoring protocols to safeguard everyone on the premises. Use of AI and Tracking Technologies NMCSD is actively exploring AI-based systems to enhance patient and staff tracking, improving efficiency and security. While these advancements are still in development, the facility remains committed to integrating innovative technologies to optimize care delivery. Electronic Health Records and Digital Tools The hospital utilizes MHS GENESIS, an advanced electronic health record (EHR) system designed to streamline healthcare management across the Department of Defense. This system enhances clinical decision-making, improves patient care, and ensures seamless recordkeeping for military personnel and their families. Care Planning Practices and Challenges Care planning at NMCSD follows a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. It involves comprehensive assessments, resource allocation, and collaboration among caregivers, nurses, and family members. Challenges in the process include resource limitations, care coordination complexities, and ensuring patient compliance with treatment plans. Comparison to Other Healthcare Settings Unlike civilian hospitals, long-term care facilities, or home care services, NMCSD’s care planning is uniquely tailored to military personnel and their families. The structured military healthcare environment provides specialized services, but it also requires coordination across various medical and logistical systems. Future Innovations and AI Integration LT Reyes expressed enthusiasm about the future of AI in healthcare, believing that automation, data analytics, and AI-driven tools will significantly enhance care planning. While full integration may take time, advancements in technology offer promising improvements for workflow efficiency and patient care. Use of Mobile Applications Currently, there are no known mobile applications used at NMCSD for patient care or facility management. However, as technology evolves, the adoption of mobile solutions may become a viable option for enhancing hospital operations. Awareness of Emerging Healthcare Technologies LT Reyes was not familiar with healthcare technology companies such as Elphascare in Ontario, Canada. This suggests that while NMCSD is focused on internal advancements, there may be opportunities to explore external innovations in the future. Conclusion NMCSD remains at the forefront of military healthcare, continuously evolving to meet the needs of service members and their families. While the hospital faces challenges in resource allocation and care coordination, it is committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies, including AI and electronic health records, to enhance patient care. With a strong focus on security, engagement, and innovation, NMCSD is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence in military medicine.

.

Interview Report: Nurse at Belmont Village Senior Living, San Diego

Interview Conducted By: Nathaniel Santos Date of Interview: April 8, 2025

Staff Name: Employee choose not to mention her name Location: San Diego, California

Overview of Belmont Village Senior Living

Belmont Village Senior Living is an established senior living community in San Diego offering various care options for older adults. The facility provides a supportive environment designed to meet the evolving needs of seniors through different stages of aging. All detailed information about our services can be found on our website.

Patient Demographics

The facility serves adults aged 60 and older, accommodating both individuals and couples. Our resident population consists primarily of seniors in their later years, with various levels of care needs ranging from relatively independent living to those requiring more comprehensive assistance.

Admission Process

Admission to Belmont Village begins with a thorough assessment process including comprehensive medical and physical evaluations conducted by our professional staff. These assessments are critical for determining appropriate care levels and ensuring we can adequately meet each resident's specific needs. Understanding the complete medical history of potential residents is extremely important to us.

Activities and Engagement

Belmont Village maintains a structured activities program designed to promote resident engagement and wellbeing. This information is handled by our activities department and is available to those enrolled in our community's care services. Our programming follows best practices in senior care, focusing on physical wellness, cognitive engagement, and social interaction.

Safety Monitoring and Surveillance

Resident safety is maintained through around-the-clock caregiver supervision, with staff members assigned to specific sections of the facility conducting regular room checks throughout their shifts. We do not have surveillance cameras in resident rooms due to HIPAA privacy regulations. Our human-centered approach allows for personal interaction while ensuring resident safety.

Advanced Tracking Technologies

We have begun implementing some AI-based technologies, though our adoption remains in early stages rather than at full capacity. The implementation of advanced technologies faces challenges related to staff adaptation, though we recognize potential benefits. Our current systems are reliable and meeting our needs effectively.

Technologies and Tools

We utilize the EPIC healthcare system for electronic health records management, which provides our staff with access to resident medical histories, treatment plans, and specific care needs. This implementation allows for continuity of care by providing a comprehensive view of each resident's health information. Our current technological infrastructure is stable and functions well for our purposes.

Care Planning Practices and Challenges

Our care planning process is based on a comprehensive assessment of resident records, with significant input from family members to develop appropriate care strategies. We assess our clients based on their records, and when family is available, we consult with the closest family members for care planning insights. This approach creates effective care strategies addressing both medical needs and quality of life considerations.

Differences in Care Planning Across Settings

We distinguish our care planning approach through our age-specific focus and emphasis on human interaction. Unlike hospital settings, we provide more personalized attention with greater continuity of care over extended periods. Our goal is to keep our clients with us for as long as possible, which differs from the episodic nature of hospital care.

Future Improvements & AI's Role

Future improvements in our workflows may include policy modifications and increased staffing to better meet resident needs. Our approach to advancement is practical, focusing on evidence-based improvements that complement our existing care model. We find our current systems adequate for meeting our care planning needs.

Mobile Applications

We utilize the MyUCSD Chart mobile application for communication with healthcare providers and access to resident medical information. This selective application use reflects our strategic approach to technology implementation. Our current mobile solutions are sufficient and integrate well with our existing workflows.

Awareness of Innovations

We are not familiar with Elphascare or similar emerging technologies, as our current systems are reliable and meet our needs effectively. New technologies often require significant adaptation and training that may not justify the transition from our well-functioning existing systems. We've invested considerably in our current technological infrastructure and find it serves our residents and staff appropriately.