Status of health information exchange: a comparison of six countries

• DOI: 10.7189/jogh.09.020427
• Publication Date: 2019-10-27T14:50:12Z
• Authors: Thomas H Payne; Christian Lovis; Charles Gutteridge; Claudia Pagliari; Shivam Natarajan; Cui Yong; Lue-Ping Zhao
• Keywords: Health Information Exchange; Information exchange; Health information technology

Status of health information exchange: a comparison six countriesBackground Health exchange (HIE) is frequently cited as an important objective technology investment because its potential to improve quality, reduce cost, and increase patient satisfaction.In this paper we examine the status practices HIE in countries, drawn from range higher lower income regions.Methods For each countries represented -China, England, India, Scotland, Switzerland, United States -we describe state current practice with reference two scenarios: transfer care referral.For country discuss national objectives, barriers plans for further advancing clinical exchange. ResultsThe vary widely levels adoption EHRs, availability electronic form suitable HIE, infrastructure be used transmission.Common themes emerged, however, including expectation that will exchanged rather than gathered anew, need incentives promote exchange, concerns about data security confidentiality. ConclusionsAlthough ability where it most needed nearly always mentioned advantage adoption, there are wide differences degree which has been achieved support scenarios study.Nevertheless, these indicate varying stages progress along comparable pathway, similar being identified described.In some cases, have partially surmounted while elsewhere work needed.We reflect on contextual factors influencing direction efforts different global regions their implications progress.