Thanks so much for the help at Rosewood. You did a fantastic job.
I have four facilities using HCSL. I have been impressed with HCSL. I frequently access it from home and on my phone. Because remote access is via the internet it enables me to interchange between HCSL and the medication chart easily unlike other systems that require remote access in via Citrix which “takes over” the computer. Log in is secure but quick.
Residents are easily searched for and once a file is open it immediately directs me to produce a new progress note. Care planning functions are easy to review and there is a simple tool for medical classifications with common conditions in a drop down list with room for free text below. On the whole this is an easy tool to access and one of the less cluttered programmes I have used.
I operate a medical practice that specializes in aged-care facilities in Auckland. In the last two years most have adopted a system for keeping medical file notes electronically. There are a number of systems on the market and I have experience of four. None appear to have consulted end users when developing their functions. All of them have problems, which hopefully will be ironed out over time.
HCSL is one them. The vital medical problem list is buried within the system and clunky when you find it. Some of its navigation is not intuitive. However, compared to the others it has a clean and uncluttered feel.
The tab buttons and the boxes for inserting text are large and easy to use. The ability to find previous medical file notes within all the nursing and caregiver entries (a vital consideration) is ahead of the pack. It is also smooth as silk to access from an offsite computer.
The team behind it are much easier to access, and more responsive to feedback, than anyone else. From what I know, HCSL is the system I would use if I was running an aged-care facility.
We asked a random group of clients for their responses in relation to using HCSL Aged Care Cloud based software.What do you like best about the HCSL software and your current use of it? Below is their responses:
I like the layout of the LTCP and being able to load and access documents in the one programme.
At the end of the month the stats are all there done without me having to calculate; the system does that itself, love it, I print off the bar graphs for the staff to see each months results with the related information written up to show the story behind the data
The advantage of having HCSL software in our facility means enabling quick access to residents records for more coordinated, efficient care and securely share information with residents and other clinicians. Holly Lea is in the process of having most of the documentations online. Moving to electronic significantly improved our archiving processes and the need for physical storage space for paper records is also significantly reduced. Being able to search for a file or document from the computer rather than manually dig through a filing cabinet saves time for all of us.
Know it is kiwi made and covers aged care in NZ requirements
Analysis of data and logs for complaints and incidents
Ease of access and user friendly
Log in pages are bright and cheerful.
Everything is in one spot and easy to access.
Audit system, ease of use, easy access to forms.
Its clear and easy to use.
The Long Term Care Plan (LTCP) is much more concise, great feedback from the care staff, easy to read and understand.
Able to compare to the average when reviewing falls or infection rates.
Ability to analyse present the information e.g falls.
I like the ease of use – the easy to generate reports – everything being in a logical order that ties in very well with the paper files
Used correctly the system does pass audit, meets all the requirements of the MOH Standards.
Receiving the continual updates we know we always have the most updated material available to meet our MOH requirements
This is a central point for data gathering. We have the potential to have most information on line.
The system is new to our team, it is still getting established here. We are finding it quite easy to use.
Its web based which means I can look at it anytime and am fully up-to date always with whats happening
The audits are detailed, and clear
The bench-marking is great and easy – saving time – great reporting
All of it, Everything on the website is easy to find and I like the bench-marking.
I don’t think we utilize enough of the paperwork some things I am discovering now after 5 years of using it!
I like the simplicity of the software.
I like that it is integrated with quality documentation.
I like that it is cloud based.
I like the flat fee for use, rather than a fee the number of devices (tablets).
The ease of uploading resident photo and easy layout
Ability to easily track trends in adverse events.
The straight forward user friendly interface, the data analysis, the way corrective actions populate straight to the corrective actions log,
http://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svg00Allionhttp://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svgAllion2020-01-05 17:20:002024-09-24 07:26:54HCSL Aged Care Software user feedback
http://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svg00Allionhttp://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svgAllion2020-01-05 14:01:002024-09-24 07:31:07Aged Care Software
HCSL Aged Care Software incorporates quality and risk, bench-marking, internal audit management systems as well as clinical functions) and how to use them. These systems have all been audited numerous times for ARC provider Certification with maximum four year outcomes being achieved where the system is fully implemented. Tried and testing; pre-approved audit compliant.
Please click on the following links (the blue words below) to watch videos which describe the functions of the HCSL Aged Care cloud-based aged care software.
The HCSL system functions are able to be used in their entirety or some care providers use only the policies and procedures with the dashboard for quality and risk management; while others use the full system including the care planning and progress notes.
We have several care provider sites currently who have become paperless using the HCSL system in conjunction with Time-target, Medimap or 1chart and InterRai. The mix of paper based and IT based depends on your site, the IT skills of your staff and their access to computers. There are a range of service options available depending on what suits your current circumstances. To find out more about the service level options available click here
We continue to add features to evolve the system in response to changes in clients and industry needs. This evolution is intended to be an ongoing process and we look forward to your feedback and ideas. Each change is considered on the basis of how it can be used by clients to ease their workload, streamline and save time while giving useful information.
HCSL Aged Care software systems are created by Healthcare Compliance Solutions Ltd through Version 1 or for version 2. Access codes are provided to clients with a current service agreement in place.
If you would like more information on the services which are available click here.
If you would like to receive our HCSL Aged Care newsletter which is published every 6-8 weeks, email us on gill@agedcarecompliance.com with your contact details. This is also the email address if you have any further questions on HCSL software and services.
I was first introduced to Gillian Robinson of Healthcare Compliance Solutions Ltd (HCSL) in 2016 when I took up the Facility Manager position at Terrace View Retirement Village.
The facility had HCSL in place but were not fully utilising Healthcare Compliance Solutions policies. The first thing to do was to get Terrace View fully operational under Healthcare Compliance Solutions. Gillian was very supportive during this change providing education to myself, Clinical care manager and our team.
HCSL aged care software is easy to find your way around. Our Nurses have reported that care planning in HCSL is saving them time. Everything is in a logical order.
Features that make my role easier are the ability to track trends in adverse events and infection control. To be able to bench-mark our data within the industry to see how we are trending against our peers.
Terrace View is very excited to be moving to HCSL aged care software version 2 so we can become fully electronic. To be able to search a file or document from the computer saves all the team time.
Gillian’s knowledge of the aged care industry and how the sector works is reflected in the software she has developed and is designed to increase nursing team efficiency in a very time restricted environment.
I think it’s a book that every Nurse in aged care should read because it is about everything and indeed a guide to nurses in aged care nursing. Thank you very much .
http://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svg00Allionhttp://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svgAllion2019-12-17 16:37:002024-09-24 07:39:59Book: ‘Excellence in Residential Care: A guide to managers and nurses’ (2013)
This month we look at the discussion around whether mandated staffing levels in aged care, as a ratio of care hours to residents, would improve care services?
Rather than numbers of personnel alone, to provide safe and appropriate nursing services, staffing skill-mix (taking into consideration the workforce diversity) is essential to ensuring appropriate effective staffing. These factors are not taken into account or provided for within the industry funding levels which puts additional pressure on those working in aged care services.
While performing statutory (temporary) management roles over past years, adequate numbers of staffing alone hasn’t guaranteed safe and appropriate care. Nursing outcomes for residents have been reliant on a mix of highly skilled staff working in conjunction with newer or less experienced staff to guide and mentor. There could be 10 staff on duty but if none of them have had previous experience working in aged care services, these staff are set-up to fail in performance of their duties, and the resident care outcomes are likely at risk.
SNZ HB 8163:2005 – ‘Indicators for safe aged-care and dementia-care for consumers‘ is a national document which includes formulas for staffing levels based on acuity of residents. This document set industry guidelines and although not mandated, defines staffing from a best practice perspective. Numbers alone as already mentioned are not sufficient.
Outdated for the acuity of residents needs in 2019 and onward, the 2005 guidelines didn’t take into account a range of factors. For example the size and physical layout of the facility, location of resources, the leadership structure and how work teams are configured, economy of scale and appropriate cover. The minimum staffing requirements in the ARRC is well below that sufficient to meet resident needs. Having been implemented in 2005 (SNZ HB 8163:2005) when resident needs were less complex than they are now, it’s well past time to review how staffing skill-mix is determined and more importantly how the industry will be funded for increased staffing to meet the increased needs of residents.
HCSL developed a 5 step acuity assessment tool in response to providers requests after being frustrated by using the two tier InterRai assessment which give outcomes of resthome or hospital level of care. InterRai doesn’t reflect the range of acuity represented in SNZ HB 8163:2005 from a care level perspective. As reported by numerous registered nurses working in aged care, the complex clinical presentation of residents being admitted into care is not accurately reflected in InterRai which is why they still need to supplement InterRai at times with more detailed clinical assessments.
Achieving desired outcomes for residents and the timeliness of appropriate care support based on individual assessed needs should be the aim for the allocation funding to ensure adequate staffing levels.
http://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svg00Allionhttp://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svgAllion2019-11-11 11:00:002024-09-24 08:21:56Staffing levels – is skill-mix the formula for success?
Managing Contractors from a Health and Safety Perspective
Managing Contractors from a Health and Safety Perspective is a vital component of having external trades people at your workplace.
The use of contractors is unavoidable in retirement villages and any aged care facility as we look to engage external expertise for specialised work and maintenance tasks.
Section 34 of The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 provides that all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) who have duties imposed by the Act in relation to the same matter must, so far as is reasonably practicable, consult, co-operate and co-ordinate their activities with all the other PCBUs who have duties that overlap with them.
There are four main points to remember about overlapping duties:
You have a duty to consult, cooperate with and coordinate activities with all other PCBUs you share overlapping duties with, so far as is reasonably practicable.
You can’t contract out of your health and safety duties, or push risk onto others in a contracting chain.
You can enter into reasonable agreements with other PCBUs to make sure that everyone’s health and safety duties are met.
The more influence and control your business has over a workplace or a health and safety matter, the more responsibility you are likely to have.
WorkSafe have made it clear that they expect PCBUs at the top of a contracting chain to be leaders in encouraging good health and safety practices throughout the chain. They also expect these PCBUs to use sound contract management processes.
There are six key health and safety steps when it comes to managing your contractors:
Scoping – understand what the body of works is, the risks involved, the training and competencies required, the working environment and any additional measures required.
Selection – select the right contractor for job, utilise a contractor selection process that considers the values and systems of the contractor from a safety perspective.
Induction – provide the contractor with basic information regarding site hazards, site rules and emergency evacuation procedures.
Safe system of work – the contractor must provide (and you must review) safety management information for the job. You must be confident that the contractor has appropriately controlled the risks associated with their works.
Monitoring – while the contractor is on site, check that they are carrying out their works in accordance with the safety management information they provided.
Review – Examine what went right as well as what can be improved so that both parties may continually improve on their health and safety performance, this should fed-back into future scoping and selection decisions.
Cosman, M., Tooma, M., Butler, A., Marriott, C., Schmidt-McCleave, R. (2018). Safeguard Health & Safety Handbook 2019. Wellington, New Zealand: Thomson Reuters.
http://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svg00Allionhttp://13.235.116.174/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HCSL-Color-Logo.svgAllion2019-11-11 10:17:002024-09-24 08:24:38Contractor Health and Safety
It’s easy to forget to check contractors staff changes and ensure your risk managing contractors on site is ongoing. Recently I was on site at a care facility when a sub-contractor was working there. When spoken to, he appeared to speak very limited English. He left empty boxes, a Stanley knife in the main hallway and wet glue and loose carpet at the entrance to a resident’s room. No signage, no clean-up. I couldn’t help but ask the provider what the contractor knew about health & safety legislation, his responsibilities and risks to residents as a result of his work practices.
The Health and Safety at Work 2015 increased the responsibility on PCBU’s in relation to risk management in the workplace. When using the services of contractors, there are likely to be overlapping responsibilities. While residents reside in residential care facilities and therefore it’s their home, the legislation defines residential care as a workplace. As such, contractors coming into your environment must provide evidence of following a health and safety policy and processes which reflects current legislation.
A copy of their document should be kept on file along with verification of contractors (and sub-contractors) orientation to site and confirmation of their acknowledgement of health & safety responsibilities. These documents are included in the Safe and Appropriate Environment policy manual for services using HCSLin hardcopy and in-the-cloud online. Documents should be re-signed by contractors annually or when changes to the environment occur or a contractors personnel have changed.
