How solutions that share data can improve patient care

Why focus on interoperable solutions?

Interoperable technology platforms help post-acute providers deliver high-quality patient care and remain competitive. They are the best way to coordinate care between referring providers and out-of-hospital providers during transitions of care, providing rapid access to a patient’s full medical record. Having complete care histories and data allows providers to make more informed decisions to support the most appropriate and timely care.

As value-based care increases in popularity and more consumers choose to receive care in their homes, seamless data exchange between disparate systems is becoming a fundamental requirement. Without accurate, complete, and timely data, the risk of failure in value-based care models dramatically increases. As this year’s survey illustrates, interoperability is not a bonus feature, but a requirement for post-acute providers to keep up with their referral sources’ expectations and to stay competitive.

Our survey showed that referral partners’ top expectation of post-acute providers is “helping prevent costly complications.” This is followed closely by “proactively keeping me updated on the patient’s status after referral,” and “contributing positively to my patient satisfaction scores.” None of these things would be possible without modern, open technology systems that can share data seamlessly with other systems, providers, and patients, family and caregivers.

The future of interoperability

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly common in healthcare settings, we know interoperability will be foundational to everything we do concerning AI. Connected solutions leveraging AI will offer tremendous opportunity for post-acute providers by collecting and sharing patient data. For example, if a patient is prone to developing UTIs, AI will be able to help improve efficiency and streamline the processes of diagnostic testing and coordinating medication. All of the data and prescription information will be available to the entire care team, which can ultimately lead to earlier interventions.

Another way interoperability will affect post-acute providers is referrals. As electronic referrals become the norm, providers should focus on making sure their referral process takes advantage of automated technologies including electronic referral forms, appointment scheduling tools and automated communication systems. These tools support quick and accurate referrals as well as enhanced communication and timely care for patients.

Lay the groundwork for interoperability now

With comprehensive, interoperable technology in place, healthcare providers can focus on high-quality patient care instead of processes and workflows. Full interoperability will help providers improve communication and collaboration across the entire healthcare continuum, while supporting more efficient use of resources and improving patient outcomes. Your organization’s interoperability strategy should be an integral part of your operation so you’re ready to leverage all of its benefits.