BIG DATA!

TBI services have started gaining more national exposure as the National Football League continues to bring more awareness and attention to concussions and tramautic brain injuries.  It's no secret that playing in the NFL does pose some health risks, especially concussions.  Over the last couple of years, with the pressure from Congress, the NFL has made it a priority to protect its players from TBI through stricter sideline evaluations after a player takes a hit to their head and most recently, changes in the rules regarding tackling or leading a hit with the player's head and helmet.  But there's still a long way to go.  "I'm gonna be blunt here: We're so primitive," said Dr. David Dodick, a neurologist who examines some NFL players as director of the concussion program at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. "Twenty years from now, we'll look back at ourselves and laugh."  http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8706409/nfl-concussion-program-marked-inconsistencies-making-difficult-assess-whether-league-making-progress-issue

One of the biggest areas of concern when looking at dd provider software is the cost.  The cost of the software is obviously important in the decision making process but to zoom out, what does the investment look like in terms of purchasing computers, tablets and smartphones?  Also, what type of technology works best in home and community based settings?  With our experience, we have seen the type of technology that works best in the different settings.  Again, it's not just the software that's important - how your employees access it is crucial as well.  Below is a guide to help you understand the type of technology investments you'll need with dd provider software, or more commonly known as agency management platforms.

In most cases, if you are an providing agency implementing a new technology you are going to receive push back from your staff.  What you find to be cutting edge and highly beneficial for your agency, your staff could find threatening.  Especially with staff that has limited exposure to computers and technology, the idea of implementing technology at your agency could be extremely earth-shattering.  So how can you motivate staff in home and community based services to use technology? We have some ideas that we'll share below, but it's important to note that the best to motivate is not through threats or negative reinforcement.  If you keep it positive and make it internal in terms of personal growth, technology and change will be embraced a lot deeper!