Health data interoperability is essential for patient-centered care. It allows healthcare providers to share and access important information, making it easier for them to make clinical decisions.
According to HIMSS, interoperability means different systems can share, exchange, and use data together, regardless of where they come from. This helps ensure that information flows smoothly across different organizations and regions, ultimately benefiting individuals and populations worldwide.
By eliminating data silos, interoperability helps doctors work together better. This leads to more efficient and effective care, which improves patient outcomes and experiences.
Improved care coordination
With the rise of chronic diseases, patients often see multiple providers. This emphasizes the need for health information exchange (HIE) systems that allow proper access to patient data.
HIE networks enable healthcare providers to obtain current information from a patient’s entire care team. This is key for treatment planning and coordination, especially during transitions of care.
For example, when a patient leaves the hospital, an HIE can automatically share details like discharge summaries and medication lists with their care team. This reduces the risk of errors and helps ensure that patients follow their treatment plans.
Better patient safety
Interoperability also boosts patient safety. When healthcare providers can access a patient’s complete medical history—like allergies and medications—they can avoid potential problems, such as harmful drug interactions.
A study from the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association shows that sharing health data can help clinicians identify risky medications they otherwise might miss.
With interoperability, specialists can quickly view a patient’s records from other providers, which helps them make swift, informed decisions. This can lead to faster diagnoses and treatment, reducing risks associated with delays.
Enhanced patient experience
When healthcare information is shared effectively, patients benefit significantly. Providers can access detailed health records without making patients repeat their medical history at every visit.
This not only saves time but also minimizes the chances of errors that can happen when patients have to remember their details.
Additionally, interoperability helps avoid duplicate tests, which can save patients money and reduce the stress of unnecessary procedures. For example, if a patient’s imaging results are accessible, a new doctor can review them instead of ordering new tests, benefiting both the patient’s wallet and peace of mind.
Faster emergency care
In emergencies, having quick access to patient information is vital. Interoperability allows emergency providers to retrieve essential data immediately, ensuring accurate decisions when every moment counts.
A study from 2024 highlighted that having access to external health data can lower the risk of serious emergencies in the ER, especially for patients with higher health risks.
Moreover, interoperability improves communication between emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency departments. For instance, a project in Michigan has enabled EMS to send vital patient data directly to hospitals. This speeds up patient intake and decision-making in critical situations.
Empowered patients
Interoperability also empowers patients. Patient portals that connect real-time data from electronic health records give people access to their health information—such as lab results and clinical notes.
Research shows that these portals can significantly increase patient engagement. A study in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that older patients with chronic conditions felt more in control of their medications and care plans when they could access their clinical notes.
Health data interoperability goes beyond technology; it’s essential for patient-centered care. Through improved communication and data sharing, healthcare providers can deliver safer, more efficient care. This ultimately leads to better outcomes for patients.
Hannah Nelson has been reporting on health information technology and data interoperability since 2020.
