Introduction
Interoperability is a crucial concept in healthcare that generally designates how well electronic systems integrate with each other. In other words, a high level of interoperability would allow hospitals to transfer data, such as electronic health records (EHRs), quickly and without losing valuable information. Promoting Interoperability is a nationwide approach in healthcare that states that providers must optimize their data to improve the access to EHRs. However, there are still multiple problems in achieving this objective, including the support for electronic transitions of care. The current essay examines the obstacles to Promoting Interoperability program and methods to mitigate them.
Electronic Transition of Care
The primary objective of interoperability is to make the process of transferring healthcare data less complicated and more convenient. In this context, the electronic transition of care determines how sufficiently healthcare providers can utilize innovative systems to transfer the data (Kelly, 2018). Unfortunately, the research shows that most hospitals (62%) can only access healthcare data within their internal EHR system, meaning that they cannot receive information about new patients (Kelly, 2018). It is a relevant problem because detailed EHR data significantly improves health outcomes (Kelly, 2018). Hence, healthcare providers need to find methods to enhance electronic transitions of care.
To achieve this objective, it is crucial to understand the primary challenges of interoperability integration first. Kelly et al. (2020) have identified several obstacles to this approach, which include insufficient incentives and technical/financial barriers. The former implies that the Medicare programs are not sufficient for a nationwide overhaul of data systems (“Medicare and Medicaid,” 2022; Kelly et al., 2020). Technical barriers include a lack of standardized data for patients, insufficient quality of information, and outdated equipment (Kelly et al., 2020). Lastly, optimization of data requires significant financial resources, and many healthcare providers are still hesitant about whether such investments are practical (Kelly et al., 2020). Ultimately, the mentioned obstacles demonstrate why the support for electronic transitions of care remains one of the most challenging Promoting Interoperability requirements.
Methods to Improve Transitions of Care
There are several ways to enhance the overall transition of care. The most direct strategy is to create more financial incentives for healthcare providers to adopt state-of-the-art data systems and improve the EHR technology (Kelly et al., 2020). After all, the reluctance of hospitals to improve the systems is the primary problem. Moreover, it is necessary to raise general awareness about the benefits of high interoperability and convince providers of the investment profitability (Kelly et al., 2020). Following these guidelines, it is possible to improve the state of interoperability among healthcare systems.
Conclusion
Promoting Interoperability is a positive development in the healthcare industry that might significantly improve the health outcomes of the general population. However, many healthcare providers are still hesitant about the profitability of this option and are reluctant to invest in state-of-the-art technologies. It is the primary obstacle to expanding electronic transitions of care. Hence, it is essential to introduce additional incentives and raise the general awareness of interoperability benefits among healthcare providers.
References
Kelly, J. (2018). Leveraging EHR interoperability for transitions of care. Vynamic. Web.
Kelly, Y. P., Kuperman, G. J., Steele, D. J., & Mendu, M. L. (2020). Interoperability and patient electronic health record accessibility: Opportunities to improve care delivery for dialysis patients. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 76(3), 427-430. Web.
Medicare and Medicaid Promoting Interoperability program basics. (2022). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Web.