Why Is Interoperability Important In Healthcare?

Why is interoperability important in healthcare? – Interoperability is important in healthcare because patients receive care from multiple providers working in multiple healthcare systems and may be on multiple payer panels. The need for seamless patient data flow is paramount.

Consider a physician in the ER treating a patient for a heart attack.
Without healthcare interoperability with the local pharmacy, the ER physician wouldn’t be able to immediately access the patient’s medication list.
Instead, they would need to ask the patient to recall every medication and dosage.
This may not even be possible if the patient isn’t conscious.

Even if the patient is conscious, he or she may not be able to provide accurate information. All of this impacts care delivery and the physician’s ability to provide the most effective and efficient care, Here’s another example of why healthcare interoperability matters: Home-based care for patients with chronic diseases was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to interoperable medical devices, many patients were able to capture certain physiological parameters (e.g., temperature, blood pressure, weight, and respiratory rate) and wirelessly transmit that healthcare data to their medical record where providers could access and monitor it. These are patients who might have otherwise fallen through the cracks during a time when stay-at-home orders were common.

Many of these patients have continued to engage in remote patient monitoring throughout the pandemic because of its convenience. In addition, provider and payer organizations benefit when patients stay healthy.

What is meant by interoperability Why is it important?

Interoperability (pronounced IHN- tuhr -AHP- uhr -uh-BIHL- ih -tee) is the ability of different systems, devices, applications or products to connect and communicate in a coordinated way, without effort from the end user. Functions of interoperable components include data access, data transmission and cross-organizational collaboration regardless of its developer or origin.

Syntactic interoperability: Systems that can communicate successfully through compatible formats and protocols. Tools that facilitate syntactic interoperability are recognized formatting standards, such as XML and SQL, This is also sometimes referred to as structural interoperability. Semantic interoperability : This is the ability of systems to exchange and accurately interpret information automatically. Semantic interoperability is achieved when the structure and codification of data is uniform among all systems involved. Cross-domain or cross-organization interoperability: This refers to the standardization of practices, policies, foundations and requirements of disparate systems. Rather than relating to the mechanisms behind data exchange, this type only focuses on the non-technical aspects of an interoperable organization.

Data exchange between applications, databases and IT systems is crucial for the growth of modern technology, such as the IoT, Approaches to improving or achieving interoperability include conducting compatibility tests, engineering products with a common standard and using the same technology, coding language or syntax across multiple systems when appropriate.

Interoperability by industry Healthcare: Within the healthcare ecosystem, interoperability is used to optimize and standardize the quality of medical care. This industry relies on multiple sources of information, such as laboratories, clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and primary care providers, which use multiple systems to record this information.

Therefore, health information technology systems should be interoperable to allow the relevant exchange of electronic health records ( EHR ) and more comprehensive healthcare to patients. Telecommunications : In telecommunications, interoperability is when different services are able to operate effectively and accept services from other systems.

Components of telecommunication compatibility are typically signal availability, scale of the network, frequencies and equipment coverage. For example, interoperability is needed for successful communication of two-way radios. ITU-T is the standard used in international telecommunications to achieve interoperability.

Software : Interoperability in software refers to the functionality of different programs to exchange information, share files and use the same protocols. Java is often considered a highly interoperable programming language for software as it can run and execute on any program with a Java virtual machine (JVM).

Search: Search interoperability allows users to accurately collect information from multiple sources using only one query,
This allows organizations to make more effective use of large amounts of data and supports data mining,
Military and public safety: In this setting, interoperability is defined as the ability for multiple sectors of law enforcement to communicate effectively during emergencies, standardize training efforts or coordinate the execution of tasks.

Government: Exchange of electronic data between multiple government organizations across the world can be difficult. Interoperability helps close the gap created by language barriers and varying format specifications to help public administrations collaborate.

Lower cost associated with interoperable systems as fewer resources and additional maintenance is required. Access to information can be given to all appropriate stakeholders, Quality of data is improved as more sources can be brought together. Minimizes time needed to process data, thus increasing organizational efficiency.

This was last updated in February 2019

How interoperability is transforming healthcare?

Why interoperability is key to transforming the healthcare service and patient safety Ed Platt, UK Sales Director for Omnicell UK & Ireland, discusses digital systems and why interoperability is key to transforming the healthcare service and driving patient safety.

Within healthcare, interoperability is the integration of technology and healthcare systems to simplify the communication, delivery and digitalisation of clinical information across an organisation or system. Effective interoperability allows for improved collaboration and clinical workflows to inform crucial decision making, creating time and financial savings – all with the aim of driving better patient outcomes.

Omnicell, as a leading medication management solution provider, is paving the way for interoperable technology to become widespread in the healthcare landscape, as it is in other sectors. Omnicell’s Automated Platforms have been integrated with several leading providers of Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (ePMA) and electronic patient record systems (EPR, more commonly known as EMR outside of the UK) which have led to a reduction in medication errors and better workflows for staff.

These working interfaces are with Better, Cerner, EPIC, AllScript, SystemOne, WellSky and MedChart, to name but a few.
However, it is also possible for platforms to link and integrate with medication wholesalers, finance systems and many more stakeholders, with a view of delivering a patient-centric supply chain.

The global challenge The World Health Organisation recognised the severity of medication errors and more than 5 years ago, introduced a Global Patient Safety Challenge, Medication without Harm, with the ambition of reducing avoidable medication-related harm by 50 per cent.

The scale of the issue within the UK is worrying; in 2018 the EEPRU report, Prevalence and Economic Burden of Medication Errors in the NHS in England, further highlighted the sheer scale of medication errors taking place. The shock of these findings led to a review, which set the healthcare system on the path to technological solutions with the impressive adoption of the ePMA systems.

According to a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded study, high-risk medication errors can be reduced by up to 50 per cent with the implementation of this technology. The next step; interoperability Linking and integrating ePMA and EPR systems with complementary systems such as inventory management tracking systems, electronic controlled drug solutions, robotic dispensing systems and automated medication dispensing cabinets is the next step in truly driving down medication errors.

NHS Trusts are now taking digitalisation a step further by investing in integrated electronic health record (EHR) systems.
EHRs represent a step beyond the standard patient medical history found in paper-based patient medical records and include a broader view, including information from all the clinicians involved in a patient’s care.

Importantly, they also share information with other healthcare providers, such as laboratories and specialists. This approach enables NHS Trusts to enhance their operational and financial efficiencies and improve the experience for staff working at multiple sites.

Interoperability with partners helps ‘close the loop’ in the medication management process; not only does it enable optimisation of medication administration, it also provide a full access to patient data records allowing for complete visibility and accountability. For patients, it means healthcare professionals have up-to-date access to all information, irrespective of the treatment venue, enabling the delivery of high-quality, coordinated and informed care.

Integration also allows for additional features and shared data with Omnicell pharmacy technology automation and intelligence solutions to drive inventory optimisation, diversion management, medication usage analytics, compliance and population health services.

A collaborative partnership approach Omnicell prides itself on being a long-term partner to hospitals as a quality, trusting relationship supports a smooth transition to new, technology-enabled ways of working – supporting full buy-in and adoption by staff. Technology solution providers should spend time on-site, understanding different workflows in various departments and proving expert guidance on how adoption can best be used to make significant time and cost savings quickly.

For example, the medication needs on an intensive care unit are different to the needs of an orthopaedic ward. But what is the optimum solution for each of those wards, and which model of interoperable technology is going to be the most effective when it comes to achieving zero errors, zero waste and zero time-consuming process for staff? The future must therefore be one of sharing, co-operation and transparency; between systems, between patients and healthcare providers, between healthcare providers and industry experts and between different healthcare disciplines – all driven by knowledge and supported by data.

Conclusion Interoperability solutions are a great opportunity for the healthcare sector and could be a crucial factor in realising the future of our much-loved national health service by presenting the sector with cost, safety and efficiency opportunities. With the right partners, Omnicell’s solutions can transform medication management and create synergies across healthcare enterprises.

Why is it interoperability so important in the continuity of patient care?

“A complete medical record is essential to reliable continuity of medical care. A complete highly structured, problem-oriented medical record will be invaluable to any physician and is essential to the busy one.” —Published in March 1968 in the groundbreaking New England Journal of Medicine article, ” Medical Records That Guide and Teach ” Dr.

Lawrence Weed’s message is as resonant today as it was 51 years ago. The article remains one of the most frequently cited in the field of medical informatics, and it speaks to the moral imperative we have in healthcare to deliver the most complete and accurate patient record to physicians at the point of care.

As an industry, we must implement solutions that enable successful data exchange so that patients can stop ferrying their medical records from treatment to treatment. We have the technology, interoperability standards, and clinical workflows to be better and ultimately provide better care to patients.

Why? Because better care starts with interoperability.
Interoperability in healthcare enables different information technology systems to communicate and exchange usable data.
This allows providers to have access to all data for a patient being treated.
Interoperability in healthcare is crucial, as new technological advances, healthcare organizations are not embracing connected health and interoperability ONLY to achieve a regulatory requirement—it is about improving patient outcomes.

And, the level of growth is out-pacing what the healthcare industry experienced with electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) several years ago. At that time, some pharmacies were participating, but quickly, almost full-adoption occurred.

Today, the rush to gain connected health and interoperability is proving to be fierce. A recent study, conducted by the Commonwealth Fund and published in the January 2020 issue of Health Affairs, found that a strong primary care system can help prevent illness, manage patient care across multiple providers, and reduce health care costs.

Essential to such a system is effective interoperability and communication. To address patients’ needs, primary care physicians often must communicate and exchange information with specialists, hospitals and other care settings, social service providers—and, of course, the patients themselves.

Why is it important to embrace interoperability?

Why Is Interoperability Important? – Interoperability plays a key role in facilitating organized and effective data exchange between information systems. As you can imagine, businesses across most industries can benefit from this crucial functionality. Top Benefits of Interoperability:

Adaptability: Business systems that receive information can quickly and automatically connect and share the information to the relevant parties. Better Productivity: Businesses can operate more smoothly, as necessary data is readily available and accessible to all relevant parties and systems. This is a much more efficient process compared to waiting for vital information required to achieve goals. Data Unity: Interoperability provides data unity, which is essential for helping businesses to manage and access information from external systems and vice versa. Improved Data Protection: Data protection is a requirement for any business. Fortunately, this process helps protect sensitive data. Companies can access this via shared records offered through interoperability instead of manually and repeatedly entering personal information. Fewer Errors: Information systems that are connected usually result in better quality data and, thus, fewer errors. Indeed, this is a better option than systems that are not connected and are more likely to contain duplicate and outdated data. Lower Costs: Synchronized systems can send and receive information automatically. In turn, this takes up fewer resources and costs compared to non-inoperable systems that must request data manually from another system.

Interoperability By Industry:

Government: Government organizations can benefit from implementing interoperability, as it can help reduce common obstacles like language barriers, non-compatible systems, and connectivity issues. Indeed, this can help these organizations communicate more effectively. Health: Healthcare systems can use interoperability to streamline managing, receiving, and sending updated medical records via electronic systems. This includes everything from lab results to billing information. Indeed, this positively impacts healthcare professionals quickly accessing a patient’s medical information even if they are not in the organization’s internal systems (e.g., patients visiting from out-of-state or country). Telecommunication: Telecommunication providers can utilize interoperability to assist with sending and receiving essential information from different systems. Specifically, providers can communicate equipment updates, frequencies, network scale, and signal availability (e.g., radio signals). Safety: No matter the location or system, emergency providers can immediately communicate vital information with other parties, such as EMS, fire departments, police departments, and more. This can be the difference between someone surviving or emergency personnel not receiving information in time to help someone in a life-threatening situation. Software: As with any technology, the software depends on the successful exchange of information and rules to work efficiently. By using interoperability, software companies will find it easier to send and receive data, regardless of the programming language or type of system it’s receiving it from. Indeed, inoperable software will be more likely to operate as intended, which is crucial for software businesses.

What are the three pillars of interoperability?

Why Is Interoperability Important In Healthcare Soldiers conduct an operations briefing on June 22, 2016, during Swift Response 16 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. The exercise included more than 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen from the United States, Belgium, France, G.

VIEW ORIGINAL Setting the theater requires sustainment formations that are prepared to receive, stage, onward move, and sustain divisions and corps of expeditionary forces and our allies.
Sustainment formations must build and maintain reflexive competency to execute mission essential warfighting tasks in a high tempo, full-spectrum environment where interoperability is key.

As sustainment units operate in a dynamic and volatile theater, speed and strength matter. Core responsibilities, such as theater opening, establishing the theater distribution system, and sustaining operations across the European Command area of responsibility, matter as well.

In addition to the more than 50 battalion- and above-level exercises executed across the theater, NATO allies exercise their readiness through formal external evaluation at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany.
Multinational sustainment integration trends and observations at the JMRC, at the echelons-above-brigade support level, highlight the need for multinational interoperability.

Allied Joint Publication 01(D), Allied Joint Doctrine, describes the three dimensions of joint and allied interoperability. It is through the interoperability of the technical, procedural, and human dimensions that multinational units succeed in achieving allied security objectives.

NATO list standardization, training and exercises, technical demonstrations, and tests as a few of the tools that nations can use to achieve and measure interoperability. This article shares the tools that units can use to train across the three dimensions of interoperability-technical, procedural, and human-at JMRC and in any other multinational training environment.

THE TECHNICAL DIMENSION The technical dimension focuses on mission command and logistics management systems used at the tactical level. Interoperability is needed in units’ capabilities and technological output. Units demonstrate this dimension through communication, mission command systems, and the exchange or use of equipment between multinational partners.

The technical dimension can be measured by assessing a units’ ability to provide mission command and sustainment across allied formations in support of similar objectives or an allied commander’s intent.
In order to do this, the senior sustainment commander on the ground must work through numerous command and support systems.

Mission command systems are challenging when working with our NATO partners; there are 13 different battle-tracking systems across NATO. The U.S. Army sustainment formations communicate over the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and Joint Capabilities Release-Logistics, which operate on the secure internet protocol router network.

NATO allies use Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation Systems (BICES) with Logistics Functional Area Services, which provide them with a logistics common operational picture.
Both Joint Capabilities Release-Logistics and Logistics Functional Area Services provide reporting tools and a common operational picture, but through two different networks that do not communicate with each other.

This causes friction during JMRC rotations. Compounding the challenge, BICES and other systems used by our allies are not available to the tactical echelons of all nations. Many countries reserve BICES for static operational or strategic headquarters or for a forward-deployed mission command structure.

JMRC observer-controllers mitigate system and information shortfalls by suggesting the use of low-tech solutions such as simple graphic control systems to control movement, FM radio communication, liaison officers (the human dimension), and vehicle marking systems.
All of these techniques increase technical interoperability for mission command in a multinational environment.

A second observation from a technical perspective concerns the interoperability of our sustainment systems. In the absence of a standing NATO logistics brigade, allied units work together to exercise readiness and increase operational reach. One example of a tool improving technological interoperability is the NATO fuel adapter that was used by the Modular Combined Petroleum Unit, a multinational bulk fuel company, during Trident Juncture 15.

The unit executed multinational fuel distribution and storage missions and validated six fuel fittings with seven different nations during the exercise. The 16th Sustainment Brigade identified the number of adapter kits needed based on each type of brigade’s authorized bulk fuel assets. Rotational units must identify similar technical gaps and develop a common solution for mission command and sustainment interoperability with our allies for mission success.

THE PROCEDURAL DIMENSION The procedural dimension of interoperability focuses on doctrine and procedures from the strategic, national level to tactical-level execution. It involves standardizing capabilities and operating in similar types of formations anywhere.

Units demonstrate the procedural dimension through standardization agreements, standardized communication, and agreed upon terminology, tactics, techniques, and procedures that minimize doctrinal differences. The effectiveness of a unit’s procedural dimension can be measured by how well it synchronizes its sustainment resources to enable the alliance and increase operational reach and freedom of movement for multinational formations.

The differences between nations are magnified in training environments with external evaluation platforms, like JMRC, and during U.S. Army Europe exercises that include border crossings and multinational execution. Each nation’s task organization, equipment, mission command platforms, and planning priorities becomes evident as the observer-controllers and trainers examine processes that are based upon each nation’s standard operating procedures.

Standardization increases interoperability.
Having standardization agreements for processes, language or doctrinal difference, and procedures in place before an exercise reduces friction during training and execution.
Standardization also increases the operational reach, combat power, and readiness of a formation.

Processes challenge units in all multinational exercises, but requirements for diplomatic clearances, requests for march credits, and moving equipment by rail can quickly overwhelm units with few rotations in Europe. Each European country has different requirements, and misunderstanding the paperwork and standards for moving in these countries can halt movement and affect the mission.

Onward movement has specific requirements by nation and requires division transportation officers, mobility warrant officers, and unit movement specialist to plan according to the requirements of the nations that are being traversed.
A NATO standardization agreement provides a single standard to assist nations in increasing interoperability, but countries may implement this standard differently.

The doctrinal terms, resource gaps, and tactics, techniques, and procedures of countries and units vary. It is important for units working within multinational formations to establish a rotational plan that solidifies reporting formats, reporting time lines, synchronization meetings, and communication in order to standardize procedures.

THE HUMAN DIMENSION The human dimension of interoperability focuses on human behaviors and abilities at all levels of execution.
It ranges from communication at the individual level to the standardized and executable capabilities that maximize national contributions.
Human interoperability includes relationships, liaisons, education and training, and language skills.

Cultural factors influence the human dimension. Of the three dimensions, the human dimension is most closely connected to interoperability effectiveness and is the most likely to determine system effectiveness. Friction caused by blocked equipment movement at a single border crossing can become a national-level issue that requires an ambassador’s assistance to resolve.

As organizations prepare for training, one of the greatest challenges in Europe is movement. Movements by air, rail, sea, or road require approval authorities across multiple commands, joint services, and host nations. Each command, service, or nation requires a different process, which may cause friction to a unit with new personnel, a regionally aligned or allocated force, or a rotational force.

It is through the human dimension that friction is reduced. Relationships built with carriers, liaison officers nested with other commands, and movement controllers working inside national movement coordination centers are all examples of human behaviors that reduce potential movement friction and allow for smoother reception, staging, onward movement, and integration.

Education is another important aspect of the human dimension.
It provides a foundation for all participants.
The Joint Multinational Training Command offers multiple interoperability-enhancing training programs through the Joint Multinational Simulations Center and the 7th Army Mission Command Training Program.

These programs provide training to prepare units for multinational missions. Finally, repetition with our NATO allies in a training environment increases interoperability by building strong relationships. Sustainment training with recovery assets, fueling capabilities, movement control, and distribution capabilities are examples of systems that sustainers may exercise to understand interoperability through the human dimension.

Junior leaders learn to understand options and overcome obstacles through different equipment, processes, and language.
All of these training opportunities strengthen the alliance.
Before a multinational rotation at the JMRC, units train at their home station to help build a foundation for success.
Organizations exercise the human dimension through logistics synchronization and maintenance meetings, the use of mission orders, and combat power and strength management.

Leaders educate their formations on logistics estimation tools, logistics reporting, casualty evacuation procedures, and integrating echelons-above-brigade support to increase operational reach. Allied forces must understand the task organization of multinational formations, familiarize themselves with national strengths, and use planning conferences and individual contacts to understand national aptitudes and capabilities in order to increase allied strength.

Finally, through the human dimension, leaders gain an understanding the capability gaps of partner nations as well as national caveats that may lead to shortfalls.
Nowing this helps units to build a plan for a successful rotation.
Multinational training environments allow allies to exercise their interoperability and readiness and receive formal external evaluations.

It is through the interoperability of the technical, procedural, and human dimensions that multinational units succeed in achieving allied security objectives. At the JMRC, or in any multinational training environment, sustainers exercise their ability to provide commanders with options to succeed.

Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble is the commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from McDaniel College, a master’s degree in logistics management from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

He is a graduate of the Ordnance Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Col. Michelle M.T. Letcher commands the 16th Sustainment Brigade headquartered in Baumholder, Germany.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Illinois State University and master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Oswego, the School of Advanced Military Studies, and Kansas State University. She also completed the Senior Service College Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin.

__ This article was published in the September-October 2016 issue of Army Sustainment magazine.

Which is an excellent example of interoperability?

Foundational interoperability: allows for communication between two foundational systems. For example, two of the same electronic health record systems exchanging patient information between two different doctors’ offices.

What interoperability provides?

The Interoperability Ecosystem – The health interoperability ecosystem comprises individuals, systems and processes that want to share, exchange and access all forms of health information, including discrete, narrative and multimedia. Individuals, patients, providers, hospitals/health systems, researchers, payers, suppliers and systems are potential stakeholders within this ecosystem.

What is the principle of interoperability?

Interoperability is defined as the ability of two or more systems, components, or processes to exchange information so they can act on this information to achieve business and operational outcomes. Interoperability has two fundamental constructs: The exchange of information, which can be bidirectional.

How interoperability improves the patient and provider experience?

The role of interoperability in introducing new healthcare IT solutions – When new healthcare IT solutions are introduced, there are many factors to take into consideration. Considerations such as data migration, employee training, and cost can slow down adoption or discourage providers from changing altogether.

Healthcare technology provides clinicians with the tools they need to deliver the best outcomes. Organizations need to overcome the challenges associated with deploying and integrating all the different systems that are used to provide patient care. Interoperability is the ability to exchange and use information between two or more systems.

What are the barriers to interoperability?

1. Limited Skills and Resources – Budgetary restrictions pose a significant barrier to achieving seamless health information exchange. Smaller healthcare facilities may lack the financial resources needed to build an interoperable system. Interoperability requires initial investments in technical resources including updated document management systems (DMS) and personnel training support.

Investing in software development training is crucial to ensure usability.
If a doctor doesn’t know how to navigate a software’s interface, how can they be expected to leverage the tool in a meaningful way, let alone streamline document processes? According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the average doctor spends more than 16 minutes using their electronic health record (EHR) system per patient encounter.

As this statistic reveals, the technology designed to improve data accessibility and patient care actually contributes and adds to personnel workload. To ensure the lack of training doesn’t impede information exchange, stakeholders will need to invest in upskilling their personnel which takes time and dedicated resources.

What is lack of interoperability?

5. Lack of proper standards – There is no doubt that there should be standardization in health IT standards, and even the stakeholders agree on that but it is the way these standards are interpreted and enforced that makes all the difference. There are various interoperability standards that stand as a challenge to interoperability advancement.

The ecosystem is so different in today’s healthcare industry.
You can see a patient at the clinic, hospital, in hospices and even through online consultation.
So care is happening in multiple venues.
If there is a lack of interoperability standards, then it makes data exchange difficult or limited.
This can be solved by having a network where the healthcare exchange between all providers and organizations that promote interoperability uses software that’s already embedded into the provider’s EHR system.

This will cut out the standardization problems and facilitate exchanges. However, following the same standards is still a limiting factor, but that should be cleared with time.

What is the difference between interoperability and integration in healthcare?

Why healthcare needs interoperability rather than integration – Access to real-time, accurate data makes a significant difference in care delivery in healthcare. For example, if your healthcare provider waits a long time for results from the pathology lab, their ability to provide smooth care declines.

Integration translates data from different systems.
Interoperability means that two systems speak the same language.
Integration translates data from different systems.
It is often a way of adding one system to another because the concept of the systems communicating was not considered at the start.
Interoperability means that two systems speak the same language because the exchange of information between them was considered and incorporated into their design from the start.

To make data exchange between systems as simple as possible, interoperability medical is important. For example, if two healthcare providers have different electronic health record (EHR) systems, they will need to be integrated. However, if their systems leverage the same standards they will be interoperable.

Is a custom, one time, project rather than an overarching solution
Can be very difficult and time-consuming
Can lead to data duplication and inaccuracy
Needs to be maintained and upgraded over time
Usually requires specialised knowledge of both system domains
Makes it difficult to track patients’ progress over time

Which of the following best describes interoperability?

Which of the following best defines interoperability? The ability of different systems to communicate and share information with one another.

How does interoperability impact nursing?

Interoperability and its trajectory – A patient’s health history is complete when providers have full access to prior health concerns and care utilization across settings. Evidence demonstrates that the lack of a health history can compromise care delivery, and the absence of interoperable EHRs is a primary contributor.

Interoperability supports efficiency, avoids redundancy, and improves safety.
It also facilitates clinical decision-making and support, improving patient outcomes.
The Federal Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act required the implementation of a nation-wide, standardized framework for exchanging health information and guiding EHR use.

The act requires healthcare organizations to adopt an EHR with meaningful use criteria. Adoption implies actual EHR use in patient care; meaningful implies using the EHR’s full potential. To stimulate EHR adoption and meaningful use, federal legislation links financial incentives (bonus payments and penalties) to clinical decision support, order entry, and other EHR features.

Additional legislation requires vendors to demonstrate functionality for patient-centered care within the EHR. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and CMS recently established standards for structured data transfer to promote interoperability, creating an EHR certification.

Healthcare providers can demonstrate quality care and be reimbursed by exchanging data via a CMS-certified EHR. Organizations also must adopt standardized application programming interfaces to help individuals securely and easily access their electronic health information using smartphone applications.

Why are open standards important for interoperability?

Open Standards Principles: For software interoperability, data and document formats in government IT specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Organisation
HM Government, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General – UK
Short Description
The publication of the Open Standards Principles is a fundamental step towards achieving a level playing field for open source and proprietary software and breaking our IT into smaller, more manageable components.

These standards enable software to interoperate through open protocols and allow the exchange of data between data stores and software through open data and document formats. Standards for internal processing within hardware (including telecommunications hardware), which are not relevant to external interfaces, are out of scope.

This document describes principles for the selection and specification of open standards which can be implemented in both open source and proprietary software.
External links and documents
The document:

: Open Standards Principles: For software interoperability, data and document formats in government IT specifications

What is the difference between interoperability and integration?

Integration translates data from different systems.
Interoperability means that two systems speak the same language.
Integration translates data from different systems.
It is often a way of adding one system to another because the concept of the systems communicating was not considered at the start.
Interoperability means that two systems speak the same language because the exchange of information between them was considered and incorporated into their design from the start.

To make data exchange between systems as simple as possible, interoperability is important. For example, if two healthcare providers have different electronic health record (EHR) systems, they will need to be integrated. However, if their systems leverage the same standards they will be interoperable.

Is a custom, one time, project rather than an overarching solution
Can be very difficult and time-consuming
Can lead to data duplication and inaccuracy
Needs to be maintained and upgraded over time
Usually requires specialised knowledge of both system domains
Makes it difficult to track patients’ progress over time

What are the four interoperability domains?

Notes: Four core domains of interoperability consist of find, send, receive, and integrate or use.

What are the advantages of interoperability in IoT?

Why Interoperability is Important? – Interoperability is important because it enables different systems, devices, and applications to communicate and work together seamlessly, without requiring complex integrations or custom development. This leads to more efficient and effective workflows, improved data sharing and access, and better user experiences.

Interoperability also promotes innovation and competition, as it allows for the development and integration of new technologies and solutions into existing ecosystems.
The Connected World (IoT) relies on products to exchange, share, and interpret data through reliable connections.
Interoperability ensures all components work together according to requirements and expectations for performance, security, and data integrity.

Interoperability verifies products and systems will form an integrated solution, enabling seamless communication with one another within an ecosystem.