Information Blocking Has Major Negative Consequences for Patients: A Comprehensive Look
The issue of information blocking in healthcare has been a topic of concern for years, but it’s only recently that the full extent of its impact has been brought to light. In simple terms, information blocking refers to the intentional or unintentional prevention of patients from accessing their medical records, test results, or other vital information. This could be due to policies in place that restrict access, or the absence of protocols required to make access feasible. While the reasons behind this vary, the crux of the matter is that patients suffer grave consequences when they are unable to access their health data. In this article, we will take a closer look at how information blocking is hurting patients, and the need for change.
Research has shown that patients who face information blocking are often left in the dark about their health status. This leads to delays in the diagnosis of diseases, errors, unplanned hospital readmissions, and a loss of trust in the healthcare system. Without access to their health records, patients are also unable to make informed decisions about their care. This puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to participating in treatment decisions making them less likely to fully engage in their own health. Additionally, patients may miss out on valuable preventative care, such as flu shots, that could protect them from a range of illnesses. On a more serious note, the patient’s life could be at risk, especially if their medical history cannot be accessed quickly in an emergency.
The impact of information blocking is not limited to patients alone. Healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors, also suffer from the consequences of information blocking. When patients are unable to access their health data, providers are left with incomplete information about the patient’s health status, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses or judgments on the patient’s health status. This also slows down care, making it less efficient and effective.
The issue of information blocking requires a multi-level solution, involving the healthcare industry as a whole. First, hospitals and clinics need to establish protocols that allow patients to easily access their medical records, diagnoses, and other vital health information. This includes adopting health-specific electronic health records, better IT infrastructure, and knowledge on how to communicate test results to patients securely. Second, the government should introduce legislative measures to promote open access to health records. The 21st Century Cures Act was passed in 2016, which introduced strict data sharing rules for providers who engage in information blocking as well as significant financial penalties. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services launched a final rule which extends the prevention of information blocking.
In conclusion, information blocking has serious consequences for patients and the healthcare industry. By ensuring that patients have access to their medical records, hospitals can improve care and reduce the likelihood of errors and misdiagnoses. To address this issue, healthcare providers should use advanced IT systems to enable secure communication of test results and electronic health records. National policy changes can be used to promote open access to all medical records while preventing providers from engaging in information blocking. Failure to act quickly on information blocking could lead to grave consequences for patients and healthcare providers alike.
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