Updated January 16th 2023
Technology has been a critical factor in improving the healthcare environment for practitioners and patients alike. It has allowed them to access critical information more quickly to make better decisions and improve patient care. Interoperability is an essential part of this process, not just as a hoop to jump through but also as an essential component of efficiency and effective patient care. Here are three potential impacts of interoperability in the healthcare environment.
Improves How Agencies Work With Patients
A majority of physicians believe interoperability leads to better patient outcomes, with 92% stating that it reduces time wasted because of inefficient reporting. Medical errors are one of the top contributors to bad patient outcomes, including death. Using integrated systems and technology helps reduce these errors, ensuring patients get better care.
Interoperability also lets healthcare workers prioritize patient care and spend less time preparing documents and chasing down paperwork. Technology that integrates with multiple systems is now a must-have that allows staff members to track referrals, electronic medical records (EMRs), apps, and much more.
With integrated systems, workers can add real-time updates to patient records, communicating with other team members for a seamless patient care experience. Anyone who works with a patient can be sure the information they’re working with is updated and accurate.
Using technology that is HIPAA compliant but compatible with multiple programs also makes it easier for patients to access their own records so they can make better decisions about their own care.
Improves How Agencies Work With Doctors
The doctors who work with various healthcare agencies also benefit from interoperability. By using technology that is easily integrated with multiple systems, they can access and manage their referrals, EMRs, and much more.
Doctors working with healthcare agencies like long-term rehabilitation or hospice agencies can more easily transfer patient records. This helps the agency start a care plan more quickly and reduces duplicate procedures like tests and other diagnostics.
Improves How Healthcare Professionals Work With Each Other
Interoperability not only improves patient care but also allows team members in every department of a healthcare agency to work better together. Care providers working on patient charts and other data can fill out electronic forms in real time and upload them into a computer system. The accounts receivable team has immediate access to the data they need to fill out forms and submit claims for faster payment.
Additionally, each member of the team has what they need to monitor patients. During shift changes, workers who are taking over patient care can better monitor vitals, document changes to wound patterns, and note symptoms that may have developed during the previous shift. Instead of having to comb through files and decipher their coworkers’ handwriting, the care team can quickly assess each patient. They can also submit orders for supplies and medications more quickly.
Put It All Together With WorldView
Interoperability applies not only to a healthcare agency but also to the vendors they work with. Learn how to select vendors who are health tech leaders in interoperability and improve your systems by watching this webinar.
