Interoperability is the ability of different information systems, devices or applications to connect, in a coordinated manner, within and across organizational boundaries to access, exchange and cooperatively use data amongst stakeholders, with the goal of optimizing the health of individuals and populations.
Health data exchange architectures and standards allow relevant data to be shared effectively and securely across the complete spectrum of care, within all applicable settings and with relevant stakeholders (including with the person whose information is being shared). Optimally, interoperability facilitates connections and integrations across these systems to occur regardless of the data’s origin or destination or the applications employed and ensures the data are usable and readily available to share without additional intervention by the end user.
With the growing importance of interoperability, this guide will help demystify the topic, exploring:• The increasing importance of interoperability• The four degrees of interoperability in healthcare• The implications of interoperability in clinical communications
