scholarly journals The Potential of Blockchain Technology for Health Information Exchange: Experimental Study From Patients’ Perspectives (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pouyan Esmaeilzadeh ◽  
Tala Mirzaei
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Health Care Industry ◽  
Personal Health Information ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Blockchain Technology

BACKGROUND Nowadays, a number of mechanisms and tools are being used by health care organizations and physicians to electronically exchange the personal health information of patients. The main objectives of different methods of health information exchange (HIE) are to reduce health care costs, minimize medical errors, and improve the coordination of interorganizational information exchange across health care entities. The main challenges associated with the common HIE systems are privacy concerns, security risks, low visibility of system transparency, and lack of patient control. Blockchain technology is likely to disrupt the current information exchange models utilized in the health care industry. OBJECTIVE Little is known about patients’ perceptions and attitudes toward the implementation of blockchain-enabled HIE networks, and it is still not clear if patients (as one of the main HIE stakeholders) are likely to opt in to the applications of this technology in HIE initiatives. Thus, this study aimed at exploring the core value of blockchain technology in the health care industry from health care consumers’ views. METHODS To recognize the potential applications of blockchain technology in health care practices, we designed 16 information exchange scenarios for controlled Web-based experiments. Overall, 2013 respondents participated in 16 Web-based experiments. Each experiment described an information exchange condition characterized by 4 exchange mechanisms (ie, direct, lookup, patient-centered, and blockchain), 2 types of health information (ie, sensitive vs nonsensitive), and 2 types of privacy policy (weak vs strong). RESULTS The findings show that there are significant differences in patients’ perceptions of various exchange mechanisms with regard to patient privacy concern, trust in competency and integrity, opt-in intention, and willingness to share information. Interestingly, participants hold a favorable attitude toward the implementation of blockchain-based exchange mechanisms for privacy protection, coordination, and information exchange purposes. This study proposed the potentials and limitations of a blockchain-based attempt in the HIE context. CONCLUSIONS The results of this research should be of interest to both academics and practitioners. The findings propose potential limitations of a blockchain-based HIE that should be addressed by health care organizations to exchange personal health information in a secure and private manner. This study can contribute to the research in the blockchain area and enrich the literature on the use of blockchain in HIE efforts. Practitioners can also identify how to leverage the benefit of blockchain to promote HIE initiatives nationwide.

Florida Health Information Exchange

2013 ◽  
pp. 152-170
Author(s):  
Alice Noblin ◽  
Kelly McLendon ◽  
Steven Shim
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Health Care Industry ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Care Industry ◽  
Basic Services ◽  
Security Regulations

Florida began the journey to health information connectivity in 2004 under Governor Jeb Bush. Initially these efforts were funded by grants, but due to the downturn in the economy, the state was unable to support growth in 2008. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided funding to further expand health information exchange efforts across the country. As a result, Florida is now able to move forward and make progress in information sharing. Harris Corporation was contracted to provide some basic services to the health care industry in 2011. However, challenges remain as privacy and security regulations are put in place to protect patients’ information. With two seemingly opposing mandates, sharing the information versus protecting the information, challenges continue to impede progress.

Weathering the Storm

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
Alice M. Noblin ◽  
Kendall Cortelyou-Ward ◽  
Ashley Rutherford
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Health Care Industry ◽  
Care Industry ◽  
Basic Services ◽  
Technology Initiatives ◽  
Network Of Networks

The Florida Health Information Exchange has grown over the years since its inception in 2004. Harris Corporation was contracted to provide some basic services to the health care industry in 2011 and this relationship has continued to the present time. As services have expanded, challenges have arisen. With disaster preparedness and business continuity an important part of continuity of care and health information technology initiatives, this paper will consider how a “network of networks” can be of assistance when natural disasters strike.

scholarly journals Drivers and Barriers to the Use of Health Information Exchange Amongst Clinicians in the Emergency Department

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Richter ◽  
Brian Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Single Sign On ◽  
Patient Reported

Background:   Health Information Exchange (HIE) describes the exchange of medical data between various health care organizations. Though research is limited, widespread use of HIE may improve patient outcomes while improving efficiency and thus lowering health care costs for patients. The paucity of existing research necessitates further study into the effects of HIE use in the clinical setting. The Indiana Network for Patient Care (INPC) is one of the most comprehensive HIE networks in the country, and provides an ideal environment for conducting research regarding factors that influence HIE use.   Methods:  A group of 20 clinicians from the Emergency Department were chosen to answer a set of questions regarding their HIE use. This group included physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses from various health care organizations across the state of Indiana. Interview questions were centered around four main themes: Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, then subject to qualitative analysis using NVivo software.   Results:  The Single Sign-On and EHR Button were the most commonly discussed features in terms of facilitating HIE use. Providers used HIE most often when the patient reported previous admission at a different hospital, or when the patient was incapacitated and could not provide information. Although clinicians had unanimous social support for using HIE, inadequate training regarding HIE was apparent, and served as the most common barrier to its use.   Conclusion/Impact:  The implementation of Single Sign-On and access to the INPC via a button integrated into the user’s EHR are critical for widespread use of HIE, while lack of physician training serves as a major barrier to its use. Implementing SSO and EHR button features while improving HIE training may spurn additional use of HIE and thus lower costs for both hospitals and patients.  

Future Sustainability of the Florida Health Information Exchange

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
Alice M. Noblin ◽  
Kendall Cortelyou-Ward
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Health Care Industry ◽  
The State ◽  
Care Industry ◽  
Basic Services

Florida began the journey to health information connectivity in 2004 under Governor Jeb Bush. Initially these efforts were funded by grants, but due to the downturn in the economy, the state was unable to support growth in 2008. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 provided funding to further expand health information exchange efforts across the country. As a result, Florida was now able to move forward and make progress in information sharing. Harris Corporation was contracted to provide some basic services to the health care industry in 2011. Since then, the Florida HIE has begun to take shape and information sharing is occurring. The ARRA funding will end in 2014 and the Florida HIE must have a plan to survive into the future. This plan must address challenges such as the recruitment of new users, integration of new services, and ultimately long term sustainability.

scholarly journals Preparing Nursing Homes for the Future of Health Information Exchange

2015 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 248-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rantz ◽  
C. Galambos ◽  
A. Vogelsmeier ◽  
M. Flesner ◽  
L. Popejoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
Personal Health Information ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Resident Care ◽  
External Stakeholders

SummaryObjective: Our purpose was to describe how we prepared 16 nursing homes (NHs) for health information exchange (HIE) implementation.Background: NH HIE connecting internal and external stakeholders are in their infancy. U.S. initiatives are demonstrating HIE use to increase access and securely exchange personal health information to improve patient outcomes.Method: To achieve our objectives we conducted readiness assessments, performed 32 hours of clinical observation and developed 6 use cases, and conducted semi-structured interviews with 230 participants during 68 site visits to validate use cases and explore HIE.Results: All 16 NHs had technology available to support resident care. Resident care technologies were integrated much more with internal than external stakeholders. A wide range of technologies were accessible only during administrative office hours. Six non-emergent use cases most commonly communicated by NH staff were: 1) scheduling appointments, 2) laboratory specimen drawing, 3) pharmacy orders and reconciliation, 4) social work discharge planning, 5) admissions and pre-admissions, and 6) pharmacy-medication reconciliation. Emerging themes from semi-structured interviews about use cases included: availability of information technology in clinical settings, accessibility of HIE at the point of care, and policies/procedures for sending/receiving secure personal health information.Conclusion: We learned that every facility needed additional technological and human resources to build an HIE network. Also, use cases help clinical staff apply theoretical problems of HIE implementation and helps them think through the implications of using HIE to communicate about clinical care.Citation: Alexander GL, Rantz M, Galambos C, Vogelsmeier A, Flesner M, Popejoy L, Mueller J, Shumate S, Elvin M. Preparing nursing homes for the future of health information exchange. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 248–266http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-12-RA-0113

scholarly journals Monitoring for change: the role of family and friends in helping older adults manage personal health information

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 989-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean O Taylor ◽  
Andrea L Hartzler ◽  
Katie P Osterhage ◽  
George Demiris ◽  
Anne M Turner
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Personal Health Information ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Health Maintenance

Abstract Objective Although family and friends (FF) often play a significant support role in the health of older adults (OA), we know little about their role in personal health information management (PHIM). To address this gap and inform the design of PHIM tools, we describe the work, needs, and barriers of FF in the context of PHIM for OAs. Methods We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 52 FF identified by OA as being important in their health and PHIM. We analyzed interview transcripts for themes about FF information work, barriers, and support needs. Results FF play a supportive role in OA health maintenance, medical encounters, decision making, and daily activities. Monitoring, the ongoing process of seeking information related to the OA status, emerged as a key activity comprised of 3 phases: detection, interpretation, and action. Barriers to monitoring included OA choices and constraints, FF constraints, and difficulty with technological tools, resources, health information exchange between providers, social network dynamics, and physical distance. Conclusions FF frequently monitor for change in OA well-being, seeking up-to-date information to facilitate support of OA PHIM. Health information technology tools designed for FF can support all phases of monitoring by providing: (1) timely and granular levels of access to OA health information as the OA ages; (2) tailored health education for FF that is based on OA clinical data; and (3) networking platforms that integrate delegation, volunteering, and relevant resources, along with tools to facilitate support of OA appointment calendars and medication management. Such tools could reduce the burden of PHIM for OA and their loved ones.

Eliciting nurses’ perspectives to improve health information exchange between hospital and home health care

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Sarzynski ◽  
Mark Ensberg ◽  
Amy Parkinson ◽  
Laurie Fitzpatrick ◽  
Laura Houdeshell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Home Health Care ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Improve Health

scholarly journals Bridging Organizational Divides in Health Care: An Ecological View of Health Information Exchange

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. e3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim M Unertl ◽  
Kevin B Johnson ◽  
Cynthia S Gadd ◽  
Nancy M Lorenzi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Ecological View

scholarly journals A Patient-Centric Health Information Exchange Framework Using Blockchain Technology

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 2169-2176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhuang ◽  
Lincoln R. Sheets ◽  
Yin-Wu Chen ◽  
Zon-Yin Shae ◽  
Jeffrey J.P. Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Patient Centric

scholarly journals The economic benefits of health information exchange interoperability for Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Sprivulis ◽  
Jan Walker ◽  
Douglas Johnston ◽  
Eric Pan ◽  
Julia Adler-Milstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Health Information Exchange ◽  
Semantic Content ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Policy Position ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Level 3

Objective: To estimate costs and benefits for Australia of implementing health information exchange interoperability among health care providers and other health care stakeholders. Design: A cost?benefit model considering four levels of interoperability (Level 1, paper based; Level 2, machine transportable; Level 3, machine readable; and Level 4, machine interpretable) was developed for Government-funded health services, then validated by expert review. Results: Roll-out costs for Level 3 and Level 4 interoperability were projected to be $21.5 billion and $14.2 billion, respectively, and steady-state costs, $1470 million and $933 million per annum, respectively. Level 3 interoperability would achieve steadystate savings of $1820 million, and Level 4 interoperability, $2990 million, comprising transactions of: laboratory $1180 million (39%); other providers, $893 million (30%); imaging centre, $680 million (23%); pharmacy, $213 million (7%) and public health, $27 million (1%). Net steady-state Level 4 benefits are projected to be $2050 million: $1710 million more than Level 3 benefits of $348 million, reflecting reduced interface costs for Level 4 interoperability due to standardisation of the semantic content of Level 4 messages. Conclusions: Benefits to both providers and society will accrue from the implementation of interoperability. Standards are needed for the semantic content of clinical messages, in addition to message exchange standards, for the full benefits of interoperability to be realised. An Australian Government policy position supporting such standards is recommended.

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