Health information exchange
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
Health Information Exchange (HIE) /ˈhɛlθ ɪnfərˈmeɪʃən ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ is the process of electronically sharing patient-level information between different healthcare organizations and systems. The primary purpose of HIE is to ensure that health care providers have access to the most complete and accurate patient information, which can improve the quality and safety of patient care.
Etymology
The term "Health Information Exchange" is derived from its function. "Health" refers to the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, "Information" refers to the facts provided or learned about something or someone, and "Exchange" refers to the act of giving one thing and receiving another in return.
History
The concept of HIE emerged in the early 2000s with the advancement of digital health records. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act) of 2009 provided a significant boost to the development and implementation of HIEs by providing financial incentives for healthcare providers to adopt electronic health records (EHRs) and participate in HIE.
Types of Health Information Exchanges
There are three main types of HIE: Directed Exchange, Query-based Exchange, and Consumer Mediated Exchange.
- Directed Exchange: This type of HIE allows healthcare providers to send and receive secure information electronically to support coordinated care.
- Query-based Exchange: This type of HIE allows healthcare providers to find and/or request information on a patient from other providers, which is often used for unplanned care.
- Consumer Mediated Exchange: This type of HIE allows patients to aggregate and control the use of their health information among providers.
Benefits of Health Information Exchange
HIE provides numerous benefits to both healthcare providers and patients. These include improved patient safety, increased efficiency, better coordination of care, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced patient engagement.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its benefits, HIE also presents several challenges and concerns, such as privacy and security issues, interoperability problems, and the high cost of implementation and maintenance.
Related Terms
- Electronic Health Record (EHR)
- Health Information Technology (HIT)
- Interoperability
- Patient Engagement
- Privacy and Security in Healthcare
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