Understanding the Challenges of Information Blocking in Healthcare
Healthcare has always been a fundamental sector that depends on the advanced exchange of health information, but there have been several cases of healthcare providers delaying or completely refusing to share patient data. The act of blocking or impeding the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information is known as information blocking.
Recent studies have shown that information blocking has increased the incidences of medical errors, increased healthcare costs, and negatively impacted patient care. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges associated with information blocking in healthcare and its potential solutions.
The Sources of Information Blocking in Healthcare
Information blocking can arise from various sources. Vendors may build proprietary solutions that lack interoperability with other systems, making it difficult for healthcare providers to share data with other platforms. The lack of standardization in EHRs can also lead to limited data-sharing capabilities among healthcare providers, leading to information blocking. Additionally, some providers refuse to share data due to concerns about privacy, security, liability, and competition.
The Effects of Information Blocking on Healthcare
Information blocking impacts patient care and leads to higher healthcare costs. When doctors do not have complete patient information, they may make incorrect diagnoses, resulting in treatment delays and other medical errors. As a result, hospitals and payers face higher costs and lower reimbursements for incomplete or incorrect care.
Potential Solutions to Information Blocking
To address information blocking, healthcare organizations must work together to create and enforce standards for data exchange and interoperability. Accrediting bodies like the Joint Commission can include interoperability in their requirements for healthcare providers. Additionally, federal and state governments can establish penalties for organizations that engage in information blocking, thus creating a culture of transparency and accountability.
To avoid data blocking through lack of EHR standardization, the industry could adopt common standards, such as the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR). Standards such as FHIR can lead to widespread system interoperability, reducing the occurrence of information blocking.
The Importance of Information Sharing
Information sharing within the healthcare sector is integral, especially when it comes to patient care. The sharing of information can help providers make informed decisions about treatment options, improving the quality of care and leading to better patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Information blocking can cause immense damage to healthcare organizations, patients and caregivers. The healthcare sector must address the issue of information blocking by establishing standards for data exchange and interoperability, and by providing consequences for providers who impede data-sharing. Information-blocking in healthcare is serious, and it’s time for the industry to work together to find effective solutions.
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