AbstractsPsychology

Adoption of health information technology (HIT) may be instrumental in improving quality of care in Minnesota nursing homes. The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative study was to examine the relationship between nursing homes’ quality of care, as measured by CMS Quality Rating Scores, and adoption of HIT systems in Minnesota nursing homes. Additionally, the purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between nursing homes’ quality of care, as measured by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) inspection rating score, and the adoption of HIT systems in Minnesota nursing homes. The research questions were aimed at understanding the effects of HIT adoption on CMS overall quality rating scores and MDH inspection rating scores. The study was conducted by examining the status of health information technology (HIT) in Minnesota nursing homes. Descriptive statistics of the 2011 Minnesota HIT e-health survey helped describe and summarize the data for further investigation. The relationships (correlation) of HIT adoption in nursing homes with CMS Quality Rating Scores were analyzed. Additionally, the relationships (correlation) of HIT adoption in nursing homes with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) inspection results were analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficient equation and linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the hypotheses. The findings of this study revealed significant correlations with a small effect size for the HIT adoption of medication administration, medication reconciliation, computerized provider order entry (CPOE) laboratory test, computerized provider order entry (CPOE) medication, and CMS quality rating scores. Additionally, the findings of this study revealed a significant correlation with a small effect size for the HIT adoption of medication reconciliation and MDH inspection scores. The findings of this study did not show a relationship between the remaining HIT systems and CMS quality ratings or MDH inspection scores. These findings contribute to positive social change by assisting to inform stakeholders of nursing homes that HIT adoption may have some relationship to quality of care and services as indicated by the CMS rating system and MDH inspection ratings. Policy makers and legislators can use this information as a guide to decision making concerning HIT adoption in Minnesota nursing homes.