,,Improving Decision Support Tools for the Long Term Care Consumer

Improving Decision Support Tools for the Long Term Care Consumer


 

Publication Date: March 2008

Publisher: California HealthCare Foundation

Author(s): Howard Degenholtz; Ltd. HSM Group; Sam Boonin Consulting (Firm)

Research Area: Health

Type: Brief

Coverage: California

Abstract:

The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) launched the CalNHS.org Web site in 2002 to help meet the growing consumer need for information and assistance in long term care decision-making. The site provides comparative data on nursing facilities, home health agencies, and other long term care services in California. Consumers can use the site to assess options and to compare specific facilities and services. In 2007, CHCF partnered with Howard Degenholtz of the University of Pittsburgh, the HSM Group, and Sam Boonin Consulting to perform an extensive review of CalNHS.org and analogous sites. The purpose of the review was to better understand how consumers, referring professionals, and providers seek information regarding long term care services, and thereby help CHCF and other site producers develop strategies for refining their sites. This report summarizes the research project's findings and analysis, extrapolating lessons that can be applied by online tools that seek to guide consumers and professionals regarding long term care information and options.