Stanford Associate CMIO: EHR Integration and Interoperability Can Enhance Patient Care
HealthTech Magazine
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The integration of electronic health records (EHR) and interoperability in health information systems are essential for enhancing patient experiences in healthcare. Historically, patients have dealt with difficulties stemming from non-adopted technologies, including the need to carry physical medical records, which can lead to incomplete histories and unnecessary tests. Matthew Eisenberg, MD, Associate CMIO at Stanford Health Care, emphasizes that limited access to patient information can impede care quality. Siloed systems exacerbate challenges for healthcare organizations facing workforce shortages and burnout, as highlighted by a survey noting that inefficiencies and lack of automation frustrate users. Streamlining workflows through improved integration can enhance communication, coordination, and financial efficiency, ultimately benefiting both providers and patients.