As mobile devices become more commonplace in the health care setting, agencies are challenged to secure patient information and ensure compliance with confidentiality regulations.
Establishing a mobile device management (MDM) policy is one way to facilitate this.
In a 2015 HIMSS survey, more than 90% of health care provider employees reported using mobile devices to engage with patients, but only 57% of employees indicated their organizations have a mobile technology policy in place. This is a critical mistake; failure to meet regulations for data privacy and security can result in significant fees and penalties that can dramatically affect agencies both financially and reputationally.
An MDM policy provides the necessary foundation for home care organizations to remotely manage the software, security settings, and usage of mobile devices. It’s also essential for giving workers the appropriate level of access to the applications, data, and networks they need to streamline workflows, increase efficiency, and improve the delivery of care.
The best MDM policies are both clear and comprehensive, to ensure the stated policy is easily followed and enforced. But with so many options and alternative approaches to MDM, this can be easier said than done.
Below, we’ve identified nine best practices that can help home care agencies balance the need to meet evolving compliance requirements against the need for appropriate technology and flexibility.
Ultimately, implementing an appropriate MDM strategy boils down to being crystal clear on the functionality caregivers, care coordinators, and agency staff need to do their jobs efficiently and effectively – while also being crystal clear on the potential risk points for HIPAA and other data breaches.
With today’s accessible, efficient, and cost-effective mobile technology, home care agencies are better equipped than ever to leverage mobile devices to improve the delivery, management, and quality of care. But agencies must also be aware of the best practices for mobile device strategies, to ensure all mobile communication carries the same level of security as any other form of agency-caregiver-client communication. In doing so, providers can position themselves for success in today’s environment of increased regulation and competition.
If you’re ready to equip your agency with a mobile device management solution and improve the security and compliance of your mobile communication, contact CellTrak today. Our Care Delivery Management Solution puts the tools for success in the palms of your home care workers’ hands.