Technology and Quality First

Updated: July 28, 2005

AAHSA Quality First is a philosophy of quality and a framework for earning public trust in aging services. Quality First represents a covenant between aging services providers — and consumers and government — to improve our field by working to achieve outcomes that enhance quality and consumer satisfaction.

We believe we can dramatically improve our field, and that technology is an important component of quality in aging services. Investment in the application of current technologies and investment in the development of new technologies can show dramatic results in improving an older adult's independence, quality of life and levels of care. At the same time, technology can reduce costs and have a significant positive impact on our nation's health care bill.

The following 10 Elements of Quality are directly applicable to technology in aging services and the role of AAHSA's Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST):

1. Commitment — A pledge by aging services providers across the continuum of aging services to embrace technology solutions.
2. Governance and Accountability — Adopting a strategic technology plan that addresses innovations that will reduce labor costs and create better work environments; prevent medical errors; streamline recordkeeping; and monitor levels of care as well as staff performance.
3. Leading-Edge Care and Services — Implementing technology-based models and practices.
4. Community Involvement — Using technology to improve and expand services in an effort to increase public understanding of quality aging services and bolster consumer confidence.
5. Continuous Quality Improvement — Unleashing the potential of technology for innovative development across the continuum of health care, housing and services for the aging.
6. Human Resources Development — Implementing operational technologies to manage human resources and internal needs more effectively, increase quality of care for consumers and increase satisfaction for employees.
7. Consumer-Friendly Information — Using technology to make information accessible and understandable for older adults, families and caregivers and to open up new forms of communication between older adults, family, friends and caregivers.
8. Consumer Participation — Engaging residents/clients, family members and other consumers in decisions regarding the advance of aging services technologies.
9. Research Findings and Education — Using the CAST Clearinghouse (www.agingtech.org) to share the latest research findings on aging services technologies to improve care and services for older adults and reduce costs.
10. Public Trust and Consumer Confidence — Committing to a policy of outreach, openness and authenticity to increase public understanding of quality aging services technologies.

AAHSA is pleased to offer the tools, information, education and support to assist our members in fulfilling their commitment to the Quality First Covenant at www.aahsa.org/qualityfirst. Information about CAST is available at www.agingtech.org.