What to look for in an integration partner
Efficient, effective healthcare relies on digital ecosystems—networks of interconnected digital services that support the seamless exchange of health information among providers, payors, pharmacies, patients and more. This interconnected system is essential for sharing complete, accurate information that helps clinicians deliver high quality care and improve patient outcomes.
Choosing the right integration partners is key to success in post-acute care. Here are some points to explore when evaluating which vendors may be a good fit for your organization.
Be clear about the importance of interoperability
It’s important to be clear about where potential partners are in terms of developing and using connected systems, as well as future plans. How do they define their objectives around interoperability? What does the next year look like, or the next five years? How do they want to work with their partners?
It’s important to be sure that any partner you’re considering can support your goals, and that they’re willing to build out specific features or functions your organization identifies. For example, I wanted a global report that let me pick specific metrics that aren’t automatically included in exchange data. I knew our partner had those metrics, based on information that I could see on certain pages. Their response was, “That’s a great idea – we never thought of that.” That’s how good partnerships should work.
Alignment of business objectives
Both you and any prospective partner need a solid understanding of each organization’s strategic plan and goals for data interoperability. There are several benefits organizations can focus on when implementing interoperable tools, from improving care coordination to streamlining business and administrative processes or leveraging data and evidence to improve clinical processes and care delivery. Be clear about your focus and plan to put tools in place to measure progress toward your goals.
Practical and technical business considerations
In addition to having alignment from a strategic standpoint, there are practical steps that both you and any organization you partner with should be taking. Here are a few:
- Budget: Have both organizations allocated budget—for staff time as well as any technology updates—to support the work of developing a productive partnership? It can be a challenge to find the time and dollars in today’s stressed business environment, but it’s important to take the long view when implementing interoperable tools, knowing in the long run they’ll help your staff work more efficiently and improve patient outcomes.
- Scalability/flexibility: Make sure you and your partner organization set yourselves up for long-term success. Any solutions you implement need the ability to evolve to changing healthcare needs and emerging technology.
- Compliance and security: As you plan and implement tools, keep an eye on relevant industry standards for interoperability, as well as any updates or changes to data privacy regulations. Plan for strong data encryption and security to protect sensitive patient data.
- Data accuracy/integrity: Make plans to have the tools and processes in place to protect data throughout the entire data exchange process. As you’re planning, consider using a consistent format that will ensure seamless, accurate data exchange to ensure its integrity.
- Data ownership: Both organizations should discuss and align rules for patient data ownership and/or limits to patient data access.
A strong partnership
Creating a strong partnership around interoperability requires organizational characteristics that are different from many business relationships. Remember that in this instance, you’re looking for a partner, not a vendor. A true partner will listen to you and work with you based on current and future requirements. They’ll ask for feedback and work with you on shared goals.
From your organization’s perspective, you’ll need to be sensitive to the fact that you can’t demand that they change their product to meet your needs or goals. But you can find out if they offer beta trials and are open to exploring enhancements using that process. You should also ask if they’re willing to enhance an existing feature or make small changes to fix issues that your organization identifies.
It’s important to choose an interoperability partner who has a strong track record of developing and implementing interoperability projects, and who stays current with industry standards and technology advances, including AI tools that are on the horizon. Partnering with an organization that’s the right fit for you can position you to deliver seamless care, improve outcomes, reduce staff workloads and build a solid reputation as a great partner.
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Amber Raymundo
Amber Raymundo is a dedicated professional advocate for enhancing patient care through improved interoperability in post-acute care. She has over 10 years of experience working with post-acute providers and other care settings and is passionate about fostering an open health partner ecosystem driven by meaningful data exchange. Her deep understanding of these sectors, combined with her commitment to holistic patient care, helps her facilitate better communication and collaboration among partners.
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