Interoperability is crucial in addressing significant challenges within the healthcare sector, yet it remains largely unclear to many healthcare professionals.
Dr. Peter Schoch emphasizes that while clinicians often recognize the issues stemming from insufficient interoperability, the complex technical terminology and acronyms such as APIs, FHIR, QHIN, and DICOM can obscure the concept.
However, interoperability is fundamentally about enabling consistent communication and information sharing, concepts that any healthcare worker values. The primary challenge lies in creating the necessary infrastructure for large-scale implementation, particularly given the constraints of limited personnel and resources. To achieve full interoperability, it is essential to establish a common understanding of the term, simplify its technical jargon, and navigate the complexities of security, privacy, compliance, and regulatory aspects that hinder its adoption.
Interoperability consists of two key elements: connectivity and meaningful communication. Connectivity refers to the ability to share information across different systems, while meaningful communication pertains to the actions taken with that data during its transfer. Simply moving data without meaningful interaction is insufficient.
To illustrate, consider a computer without internet access or a house built without the proper electrical connections. Both scenarios limit functionality. Similarly, having technical connectivity without meaningful communication fails to achieve impactful results.
There is a prevailing misconception that interoperability is merely a technical add-on rather than a vital component of healthcare operations. Focusing on connectivity and communication reframes interoperability as the essential foundation for effective healthcare delivery.
By concentrating on desired outcomes, stakeholders can reverse-engineer the process to facilitate healthcare providers’ access to comprehensive patient histories, ensuring informed decision-making. This integration enables personalized treatment plans, proactive management of chronic conditions, and a comprehensive approach to patient care.
A practical example can clarify the importance of interoperability. Imagine a primary care physician assessing a patient recently treated in the emergency department for abdominal pain. Without access to previous CT scan results, the physician may unwittingly order a duplicate scan, resulting in unnecessary expenses and discomfort. However, if healthcare providers effectively communicate, the physician would have immediate access to all relevant past imaging, leading to informed choices and a better patient experience.
In summary, achieving full interoperability necessitates a commitment from all healthcare stakeholders to prioritize connectivity and meaningful communication. Our collective goal is to enhance patient care through active listening—both to patients and among healthcare professionals. By adopting interoperability as a foundational standard, the healthcare system can evolve into a more efficient, coordinated, and patient-centered model.
Dr. Peter Schoch, MD, serves as the chief health officer at Kno2, bringing two decades of experience as a primary care physician and 13 years as a health system physician executive.