Hospitals Lagging In Assessing Interoperability Needs

ECRI survey cites disconnect with action required for effective health information exchange

Though healthcare executives understand the importance of timely electronic exchange of information among care providers, nearly half have yet to fully assess their health information exchange and interoperability needs, according to an ECRI Institute survey.

The non-profit institute polled 132 hospital, health system, and integrated delivery network healthcare professionals. Overall, it found a disconnect in respondents' efforts to define their interoperability requirements across their health community.

Eighty-four percent agreed that senior leadership understands the importance of electronic exchange of data among providers to coordinate care. And 93 percent agreed, or partially agreed, that interoperability of health information systems was one of their organization's top strategic priorities...