Health informatics for injury prevention

Background: Persons in long-term care are our most vulnerable population. A recent survey of this population revealed 26.8% of Michigan households with a family member receiving long-term care reported some form of abuse within the last year. Background check systems are a promising solution; however, effectiveness has never been empirically tested. To this end, we developed and tested an informatics system to determine if information and communication technologies can effectively reduce injuries. Objective/purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a statewide informatics web-based system developed to integrate several information systems, registries, and standardize administrative procedures across federal and state agencies for long-term care providers. The underlying research question to be answered is ‘do background check systems significantly reduce injuries to persons receiving long term care services?' Methods: Data were collected from a random sample (n=2400)on injuries and abuses to persons receiving long-term care services in the state of Michigan before the implementation of the system and processed through the new system to determine if perpetrators would have been flagged had the system existed previously. Furthermore, data were collected on excluded cases post implementation to determine the prevalence and severity of injuries prevented. Results: Michigan has reduced injuries to persons receiving long-term care services by disqualifying persons with abusive histories. Discussion/conclusions: The Department of Health and Human Services expects to roll out a national plan for background check systems for persons receiving long term care. Emerging technologies that allow long-term care facilities to disqualify direct care workers with violent and abusive histories is vital to improving the workforce and critical in preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation to this very vulnerable population. Informatics can play a major role in reducing injuries.