Home Care Home Base

twokidsmom,rn · Oct 10, 2010

That sounds so great it is so hard to see 9-10 pts and do paperwork by hand. I have to write in front of them and I hate having to do that. It would be so nice to have a PDA and click on boxes and putting next visit right there.

Jeltroy · Aug 15, 2011

Hi All,

I'm not a nurse, but I have worked in the Home Health industry for about 17 years as Business Office Manger and for the last 3 years I have also been IT customer support at the home health agency where I currently work, for the software they use - Homecare Homebase suite. I hope you don't mind I join you all in the discussion you're having about HCHB. I probably know more about the ins and outs of the program because of working the helpdesk.

I too have used McKessen in the past, and HCHB is a far more superior program. And it's easy to learn and it's intuitve. All the Oasis information that you used to have complete my hand, you now enter on the PDA, or whatever device has been assigned to your office.

I'm sure your office should have a support person or number you can call if you have any questions about the program, but I wouldn't mind answering some of your questions about it, as long as it's not clinical related.

tewdles, RN · Aug 15, 2011

I found that charting for 6-7 patients everyday on a PDA/phone was killing my wrists and neck...I just need a keyboard and a bigger screen for that much documentation.

I did not mind the software...I actually liked it better than Horizons...but the little PDA? Nah, not for me.

Isabelle49 · Aug 15, 2011

We still use stone and chisel with hammer!

Jeltroy · Aug 16, 2011

Tewdles

Do you use a Windows Mobile PDA? If so, there are two keyboards that might work. One is named Freedom Universal (about $99) - just a fold-up keyboard where you can dock your PDA. You still have to look at the small screen, but allows you to use a bigger keyboard. The other is named Redfly (about $199) - consists of a 7" screen and a keyboard. It is not a computer - does not have a hard drive. You doc your PDA to the Redfly and the screen mimics what the PDA screen displays. Both will need to have software downloaded. If your company is allowed to use these, maybe your customer support person can assist with downloading the software.

tewdles, RN · Aug 16, 2011

Tewdles
Do you use a Windows Mobile PDA? If so, there are two keyboards that might work. One is named Freedom Universal (about $99) - just a fold-up keyboard where you can dock your PDA. You still have to look at the small screen, but allows you to use a bigger keyboard. The other is named Redfly (about $199) - consists of a 7" screen and a keyboard. It is not a computer - does not have a hard drive. You doc your PDA to the Redfly and the screen mimics what the PDA screen displays. Both will need to have software downloaded. If your company is allowed to use these, maybe your customer support person can assist with downloading the software.

Thanks for that. I don't work in HH or for that company anymore (thank God!) I am not in the habit of purchasing specific equipment to allow reasonable access to charting...that is the responsibility of the agency...and they were not willing to purchase such things either. They had little sympathy.

Jeltroy · Aug 17, 2011

To bad. They could have purchased one and kept it in the office to be used there by the clinicians. My opinion - without clinicians, HH would not be in business. They deserve to be a little bit spoiled. :[anb]:

I<3H2O, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2011

Agency recently started HCHB. Everyone HATES it with a passion it seems. Were any of the other agencies(that like it now) like this in the beginning? The narrative charting on the smart phone is REEEEEDICULOUS!!! Nobody wants to spend $100 on a bluetooth keyboard for this thing. The RNs have taken as long as 3.5 hours to complete one start of care. The complaint I hear from the RNs is that you cannot see everything in a document form. Nothing is fluid and you can't see how it FLOWS when it is all charted up. The LPNs are finding that a 30 minute skilled visit is taking more like 50 minutes just due to the HCHB charting. Any hints anyone could offer?

cathrn64 · Nov 21, 2011

My agency still uses HCHB, but we have switched to Galaxy Tab's. OMG life is SOO much better! The bigger screen and speed have changed my life (by giving me mine back!) We also have keyboards for typing longer notes. I'm still not crazy about HCHB, I don't feel like the charting is very personalized for each ptnt

Isabelle49 · Nov 23, 2011

We started HCHB in October of this year and I love it. I don't have anything to compare it to except reams of paper and hours of written documentation. I feel kind of naked, since I don't have all the 'papers' with me, lol.