Paper Info
Title
IHE based interoperability - benefits and challenges.
Abstract
Introduction: Optimized workflows and communication between institutions involved in a patient's treatment process can lead to improved quality and efficiency in the healthcare sector. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) provide a patient-centered access to clinical data across institutional boundaries supporting the above mentioned aspects. Interoperability is regarded as vital success factor. However a clear definition of interoperability does not exist. The aim of this work is to define and to assess interoperability criteria as required for EHRs. Methods: The definition and assessment of interoperability criteria is supported by the analysis of existing literature and personal experience as well as by discussions with several domain experts. Results: Criteria for interoperability addresses the following aspects: Interfaces, Semantics, Legal and organizational aspects and Security. The Integrating the Healthcare Enterprises initiative (IHE) profiles make a major contribution to these aspects, but they also arise new problems. Flexibility for adoption to different organizational/regional or other specific conditions is missing. Regional or national initiatives should get a possibility to realize their specific needs within the boundaries of IRE profiles. Security so far is an optional element which is one of IRE greatest omissions. An integrated security approach seems to be preferable. Discussion: Irrespective of the so far practical significance of the IRE profiles it appears to be of great importance, that the profiles are constantly checked against practical experiences and are continuously adapted
Year
DOI
Venue
2008
10.3233/978-1-58603-864-9-771
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
Keywords
Field
DocType
Electronic health record,Interoperability,Health information systems
Health care,Data mining,Success factors,Computer science,Interoperability,Knowledge management,Workflow,Semantics
Conference
Volume
ISSN
Citations 
136
0926-9630
4
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.46
3
6
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Florian Wozak1659.17
Elske Ammenwerth274282.37
Alexander Hörbst3256.62
Peter Sögner440.80
Richard Mair5152.63
Thomas Schabetsberger66113.24