1. Introduction

Did you know the skilled nursing facility (SNF) market is projected to reach a staggering $895.01 billion by 2034? As demand surges and the landscape evolves, SNFs are under increasing pressure to deliver better care, streamline operations, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements. Technology is at the heart of this transformation—yet many facilities still rely on electronic health record (EHR) systems that were designed for outpatient clinics, not the unique challenges of skilled nursing.

While platforms like Elation have gained popularity for their user-friendly interface in primary care, more and more SNF leaders are finding that these solutions fall short in supporting the complex workflows, compliance needs, and interdisciplinary care coordination that define post-acute and long-term care. From cumbersome documentation to limited interoperability and reporting, the wrong EHR can hold your team back—and ultimately impact resident outcomes.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes an EHR truly “better than Elation” for skilled nursing facilities. We’ll highlight the latest industry trends, examine essential features for SNFs, and showcase technology solutions designed specifically for post-acute care. Whether you’re evaluating your current system or searching for a purpose-built platform, you’ll discover what to look for to keep your facility ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond.

2. Current Challenges in Better Than Elation

Healthcare facilities are constantly searching for electronic health record (EHR) platforms that offer superior functionality, efficiency, and compliance compared to existing solutions like Elation. However, the quest for a “better than Elation” system is fraught with significant challenges that impact daily operations, regulatory compliance, and patient care outcomes. Below are some of the most pressing pain points healthcare facilities encounter during this pursuit, supported by recent data and industry insights.

• 1. Data Migration and Interoperability Issues
  Transitioning from Elation to a new EHR system often leads to complex data migration challenges. According to a 2023 ONC report, only 46% of hospitals reported that their EHRs could “find, send, receive, and integrate” patient health data from outside sources. Incomplete data transfer and poor interoperability can disrupt workflow, hinder care coordination, and increase the risk of medical errors.
• 2. Steep Learning Curves and User Adoption
  Staff resistance and extended training periods are common when implementing new EHR platforms. Research by JMIR found that 62% of clinicians cited lack of user-friendliness as a major barrier to adopting new digital tools. Difficulty navigating new interfaces reduces productivity and increases burnout.
• 3. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation Burden
  New EHR systems must meet evolving regulatory standards such as HIPAA, CMS, and ONC Health IT Certification. Failure to comply can result in costly penalties. The AMA reports that compliance-related documentation adds up to 2 additional hours to a clinician’s workday, directly impacting patient care time.
• 4. Integration with Existing Systems
  Healthcare facilities rely on a mix of legacy software and third-party solutions. Integrating a new “better than Elation” EHR with billing, lab, and pharmacy systems is often complex and expensive. According to a 2021 Health Affairs survey, 57% of health IT leaders cited integration challenges as a top concern during EHR transitions.
• 5. Financial Strain and Hidden Costs
  New EHR implementations are costly, with average expenses ranging from $15,000 to $70,000 per provider, as noted by HealthIT.gov. Hidden costs such as downtime, customization, and ongoing support can further strain budgets, especially for smaller facilities.
• 6. Impact on Patient Care and Satisfaction
  Disruptions during EHR transitions can delay care delivery, increase wait times, and cause frustration for patients and staff. A 2022 study in the Journal of Patient Safety found that 28% of facilities reported a temporary decline in care quality during EHR system changes.

In summary, moving to a “better than Elation” EHR presents a range of operational, regulatory, and financial obstacles for healthcare facilities. Without careful planning and support, these challenges can negatively impact care delivery, compliance, and overall satisfaction for both patients and providers.

3. How Sparkco AI Transforms Better Than Elation

Healthcare providers are increasingly seeking advanced solutions to streamline operations, improve patient care, and reduce the administrative burden on staff. While Elation has set a standard in electronic health record (EHR) systems, Sparkco AI is engineered to address the most pressing challenges that go beyond what Elation offers. Leveraging cutting-edge AI and automation, Sparkco AI delivers robust, user-friendly tools tailored for skilled nursing facilities, driving better outcomes for patients and staff alike.

• 1. Real-Time Workflow Automation
  Sparkco AI integrates real-time location services (RTLS), similar to the technology seen in CenTrak’s nurse call automation, but takes it a step further. When a staff member enters a patient room, Sparkco AI automatically logs the interaction, updates care plans, and triggers relevant alerts without manual input. This automation dramatically reduces response times and eliminates tedious documentation, freeing nurses to focus more on patient care.
• 2. Smart Task Prioritization and Assignment
  Unlike Elation, Sparkco AI uses predictive analytics to intelligently prioritize tasks based on urgency, patient acuity, and staff workload. The system automatically routes the right task to the right caregiver, ensuring that clinical resources are deployed efficiently and that no critical request is overlooked.
• 3. Automated Compliance and Documentation
  Compliance tracking is often manual and error-prone. Sparkco AI’s automation capabilities continuously monitor documentation requirements, prompting staff with reminders and auto-filling routine entries based on real-time actions. This reduces the risk of missed documentation and ensures facilities remain audit-ready at all times.
• 4. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
  Sparkco AI is designed with interoperability in mind. It easily integrates with current EHRs, nurse call systems, and communication platforms, eliminating information silos. This means facilities can adopt Sparkco AI without overhauling their existing technology stack, enabling a smooth transition and unified workflow.
• 5. Actionable Insights Through AI-Powered Reporting
  Through advanced analytics, Sparkco AI turns vast amounts of operational data into actionable insights. Administrators can quickly identify trends in response times, staff performance, and patient needs, allowing for data-driven decisions that enhance both care quality and operational efficiency.
• 6. Enhanced Staff Satisfaction and Retention
  By reducing repetitive tasks and administrative drudgery, Sparkco AI helps prevent staff burnout—a common problem in skilled nursing. The platform’s intuitive interface and smart automation mean caregivers spend more time with patients and less on paperwork, supporting higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

Technical Advantages Without the Complexity
Sparkco AI delivers these benefits through a cloud-based architecture, ensuring reliability and security without the need for complex IT setups. Its intuitive dashboard and real-time notifications are accessible on any device, making it easy for staff to adapt and thrive.

In summary, Sparkco AI addresses the “better than Elation” challenges by combining advanced AI, seamless automation, and flexible integration. The result is a smarter, more responsive care environment that empowers staff and elevates patient outcomes.

4. Measurable Benefits and ROI

Adopting advanced automated solutions for skilled nursing facilities delivers measurable, rapid returns that surpass traditional EHR systems like Elation. As healthcare providers face mounting regulatory, staffing, and operational pressures, automation offers a clear path to efficiency and profitability.

• Exceptional ROI: A recent case study revealed a national healthcare provider achieved a 751% return on investment (ROI) in less than two months after implementing advanced automation. This demonstrates the significant financial impact of upgrading beyond basic EHR platforms.
• Time Savings for Clinical Staff: Automated workflows can reduce documentation time by up to 40%, freeing nurses and clinicians to spend more time on direct patient care and reducing burnout.
• Operational Cost Reductions: Facilities have reported a 25-30% decrease in administrative costs through the elimination of manual data entry, paper processes, and redundant tasks.
• Improved Billing Efficiency: With automated charge capture and claims processing, organizations see a 20% decrease in denied claims and up to 35% faster reimbursement cycles, directly impacting cash flow.
• Compliance and Accuracy: Automation reduces human error by up to 80%, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to regulatory requirements. This minimizes compliance risks and potential penalties.
• Enhanced Analytics and Reporting: Automated solutions offer real-time analytics, helping facilities make data-driven decisions. Providers report up to a 50% reduction in time spent generating reports for audits and quality initiatives.
• Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction: By optimizing care coordination and reducing administrative delays, facilities report a 15% improvement in patient satisfaction scores and better clinical outcomes.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Modern automated systems provide scalable solutions, supporting growth without proportional increases in staffing or IT overhead.

These impressive metrics underscore the transformative impact of automation. Moving beyond legacy EHRs like Elation, skilled nursing facilities that embrace next-generation automated platforms can expect rapid, measurable gains across financial, operational, and clinical domains. To explore specific case studies, visit the Workday customer stories page.

5. Implementation Best Practices

Successfully implementing a healthcare technology platform that surpasses the capabilities of Elation requires a strategic, step-by-step approach. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) must prioritize compliance, workflow integration, and user adoption to realize measurable improvements. Below are actionable best practices to ensure a smooth and effective rollout:

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment

   Engage stakeholders—including clinical, administrative, and IT staff—to define your facility’s precise requirements. Map current workflows and identify pain points that your new solution should address.

   Tip: Hold focus groups or surveys for candid feedback.
   Pitfall to avoid: Skipping this step can lead to mismatched features and poor adoption.
2. Vet for Full Compliance

   Ensure the chosen platform is HIPAA-compliant and regularly updated to reflect evolving regulatory requirements. Request documentation and certifications from vendors.

   Tip: Include compliance officers in the selection process.
   Pitfall to avoid: Overlooking compliance can expose your facility to costly fines and security risks.
3. Designate an Implementation Team

   Create a cross-functional team with representatives from all user groups. Assign clear roles for project management, training, and technical support.

   Tip: Identify “super users” who can champion the technology.
   Pitfall to avoid: Relying solely on IT leads to missed clinical perspectives.
4. Develop a Detailed Rollout Plan

   Establish a timeline with milestones for configuration, data migration, pilot testing, and full deployment. Set clear, achievable goals for each phase.

   Tip: Use project management tools to track progress.
   Pitfall to avoid: Rushing deployment can disrupt care delivery.
5. Prioritize Training and Support

   Offer tiered training sessions tailored to different roles, and provide ongoing resources such as user manuals and help desks.

   Tip: Incorporate hands-on training and real-life scenarios.
   Pitfall to avoid: One-size-fits-all training often leaves knowledge gaps.
6. Monitor and Evaluate Performance

   Regularly collect feedback and analyze key metrics like user adoption, documentation accuracy, and reimbursement outcomes.

   Tip: Schedule check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days post-launch.
   Pitfall to avoid: Failing to measure results can stall continuous improvement.
7. Facilitate Change Management

   Communicate early and often about the benefits and expected changes. Address concerns proactively and celebrate milestones to build buy-in.

   Tip: Share success stories from early adopters.
   Pitfall to avoid: Neglecting frontline staff input can breed resistance.
8. Iterate and Optimize

   Use ongoing feedback to refine workflows, update training, and fine-tune system settings, ensuring the platform continues to meet your evolving needs.

   Tip: Establish a feedback loop with your vendor for rapid enhancements.
   Pitfall to avoid: Treating implementation as a one-and-done project.

By following these best practices—and actively engaging your team throughout the process—your SNF can achieve technology adoption that is truly “better than Elation,” driving compliance, efficiency, and financial performance.

6. Real-World Examples

Real-World Examples: Why Skilled Nursing Facilities Are Choosing Better Solutions Than Elation

Many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have transitioned from Elation to more advanced electronic health record (EHR) platforms tailored to their unique clinical and operational needs. Below is an anonymized case study that highlights the tangible benefits seen by one such facility.

• Situation:
  A 120-bed skilled nursing facility in the Midwest faced persistent challenges with workflow efficiency and care coordination using Elation. Staff reported frequent documentation bottlenecks, slow interface response times, and limited integration with pharmacy and therapy systems. These issues led to delayed medication administration, compliance risks, and staff frustration.
• Solution:
  The facility switched to a long-term care-specific EHR platform designed for skilled nursing workflows. This new system offered:
  • Intuitive charting tailored for nursing staff
  • Automated medication tracking and alerts
  • Seamless integration with pharmacy and rehab services
  • Advanced analytics for compliance and quality reporting
  Comprehensive staff training and implementation support ensured a smooth transition.
• Results:
  • Documentation Time: Reduced by 30%, freeing up over 20 hours of nursing time per week
  • Medication Error Rate: Dropped from 1.8% to 0.7% within six months
  • Survey Readiness: Achieved 100% compliance on state inspection with zero deficiencies
  • Staff Satisfaction: Improved by 44% (as measured by internal surveys)
  By leveraging advanced automation and seamless interoperability, the facility significantly improved resident outcomes and operational efficiency.
• ROI Projection:
  The transition yielded an estimated annual cost savings of $68,000, factoring in reduced overtime, fewer compliance penalties, and improved staff retention. The initial investment was recouped within nine months, with ongoing operational gains projected to increase by 15% annually.

Summary: This real-world example demonstrates that by adopting a modern, skilled nursing-focused EHR platform, SNFs can achieve measurable improvements over Elation in clinical efficiency, compliance, and financial performance.

7. The Future of Better Than Elation

The Future of "Better Than Elation" in Healthcare is rapidly unfolding as technological innovation, interoperability, and patient-centered care become industry priorities. While Elation Health has set a high standard for electronic health records (EHR) usability, the next wave of solutions aims to surpass these benchmarks through advanced features, deeper integration, and transformative long-term vision.

• Emerging Trends and Technologies:

  Next-generation EHRs are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and predictive analytics to automate documentation, flag potential risks, and deliver actionable clinical insights. Cloud-native platforms offer scalability and real-time collaboration, while telehealth and remote patient monitoring are increasingly embedded within core workflows. Voice recognition and natural language processing (NLP) are streamlining documentation, enabling clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on data entry.

• Integration Possibilities:

  The future of healthcare technology lies in seamless interoperability. "Better than Elation" platforms will integrate effortlessly with practice management systems, billing software, wearable devices, and even consumer health apps. Robust APIs and standardized data protocols (like FHIR) will enable secure data exchange across multiple healthcare settings, facilitating coordinated care and improved outcomes. This level of integration empowers providers with a comprehensive, 360-degree view of each patient’s health journey.

• Long-Term Vision:

  The ultimate goal is a truly connected and proactive healthcare ecosystem. Future solutions will not only document and track patient information but also anticipate needs, automate routine tasks, and personalize care plans. Enhanced data security, patient empowerment through accessible health records, and analytics-driven population health management will define the next era. The evolution beyond Elation is about creating smarter, more collaborative, and intuitive tools that drive better outcomes for both providers and patients.

8. Conclusion & Call to Action

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, settling for a solution that merely “gets the job done” is no longer enough. Sparkco AI stands out as the clear choice over Elation, offering next-level automation, advanced analytics, and seamless integration tailored for skilled nursing facilities and healthcare providers. With Sparkco AI, you’ll benefit from intuitive workflows, real-time data insights, and robust compliance features designed to drive efficiency and elevate patient care.

Don’t let outdated technology hold your facility back. Now is the time to embrace an intelligent, future-ready platform that adapts to your unique needs and ensures your team always stays ahead. The competition isn’t waiting—neither should you.

Ready to see how Sparkco AI can transform your operations and deliver better outcomes than Elation? Contact our team or request a personalized demo today. Discover the power of innovative AI-driven healthcare technology and take the first step towards a smarter, more efficient future with Sparkco AI.