If you are in the habit of reading industry portals, you have probably come across the term health interoperability, right? This is because the subject has been a recurring issue in recent times, drawing the attention of hospital managers, their institutions, and even patients. But, what is so curious about this phenomenon, and what changes is it capable of generating in the health sector?
To help you understand the topic, we have prepared a full article on it. Here, you will better understand the concept, its practical application, and the advantages involved in the interaction between data from different systems. Check out!
However, before we get into health interoperability, let’s clarify what this somewhat complicated word means. In general, the concept revolves around simultaneous work between different operating systems (or platforms), which can communicate even with their distinctions. It is worth mentioning that this is a capacity of great importance for all sectors, which, containing varied software can interact effectively and safely. Especially in the context of constant computerization of companies, intercommunication between systems is not only a differential but a need for survival in any area of the market.
What is health interoperability?
In the health sector, interoperability appears to allow the exchange of data between the different tools used, generating more information and significant relationships in inpatient care. It allows communication and integration between:
- Management system for offices, clinics, and hospitals – this proposal is very advantageous, especially for institutions that operate at all levels of patient care, and may even track it in the services used.
- Electronic patient record (ERP) – a very useful tool that allows the incorporation of the entire individual’s data and shares it safely for the professionals involved in the care.
- Digital radiology information system – which makes it possible to issue and send reports at a distance with image quality, speed of delivery, and expert advice.
- Communication and image archiving system – it provides interfacing to optimize the patient’s diagnosis and anticipate clinical management.
What are the health benefits of interoperability?
Investing in this concept is a decision that brings several benefits, both for the hospital and for professionals and patients. Knowing them, it becomes easier to understand why this should be one of the priorities in terms of technology adoption. Next, see what the main advantages are in this regard!
Reduction of rework
When all information is transmitted transparently and in a way that can be understood, there is a reduction in the risk of errors and rework. After all, all health workers have access to the same data and can make better decisions based on it. Besides, it is a way to centralize the main information about the patient. By knowing your history and procedures that you performed, it is possible to use this prior understanding. This avoids the need to repeat what has already been done, to avoid rework.
Lower costs
Interoperability is also crucial in reducing the costs of different health processes. As there is less rework, productivity has increased, and there is less waste. As a result, spending becomes less. It is also a way to save time and ensure faster authorizations and other processes. In this way, an important saving is generated, which leads to an increase in return on investment.
Ease of communication
Naturally, creating a standard for the exchange of information and ensuring that this flow takes place even between different systems reinforces communication. With this solution, it is possible to provide agents with complete visibility into patients, procedures, and specific needs. In this way, there is less communication noise and decision making that becomes less bureaucratic. As a consequence, the entire health area wins.
Treatment success
The patient is also positively impacted by this integration and its results. After all, the concentration of data on a history of treatment and conditions gives doctors more visibility. As a result, there is a higher rate of success in diagnosis and treatment. In emergencies, this can be responsible for saving lives. Yet, this is an essential aspect, in terms of monitoring. With a surgery scheduling system, for example, the patient can monitor the order status. This ease of verifying their data makes people feel more secure about treatments.
Wrapping up
The technology brings process automation, reduces costs, and enhances results. With that, the entry of these resources in the management of the health area already happens and will only become stronger with time. Considering that agents will increasingly have the support of these tools, interoperability is indispensable. It is necessary to be able to adapt to technological developments to obtain the appropriate level of competitiveness and performance. Only then will the sector be able to grow and be definitively incorporated into the digital context.
Interoperability is one of the main needs of the healthcare segment when talking about technology and integrated use of resources. With its application, it is possible to make the sector more efficient, economical, and qualified.