Interoperability entails the exchange of information between systems and devices. This process involves the use of software applications and information systems to share data and interpret it for a specific purpose. Sharing of information is done by data exchange models between healthcare providers, patients, hospitals, and laboratories.
The integration of this system of interoperability in the organization will ensure faster and more efficient sharing of data across different departments within the organization. Implementation of this interoperability solution of sharing patient information will also enhance quality care. The implementation of this system can be done in the following areas of the organization clinician lab, pharmacy, and within the hospital to capture patient data.
It is important for healthcare to ensure an efficient flow of information as shown in the above wire diagram. The processes and functions in different areas of the organization such as the laboratory, pharmacies, and between specialists can be integrated together as shown in the above diagram to ensure smooth flow and sharing of information.
In the laboratory, the following activities take place diagnosis of patient samples and research work. In the pharmacy inventory of drugs are kept, and recommendation for appropriate drugs for the patient is done. The specialist service area involves consultation by the public. These areas can be integrated together so that the activities which occur across them are in tandem. The specialist service area where patients report for consultation involves taking patient information concerning a particular disease or problem. This information after recording in the patient’s health record can be channeled to the laboratory where the diagnosis of the patient is done. Diagnosis involves determining what the patient is suffering from and taking sample tests. After the determination of the disease the patient is ailing from, and the report is sent to the pharmacy with details of the diagnosis so that the pharmacist can recommend appropriate medication for the patient.
This system will ensure that patient information is shared electronically and it is summarized so that caregivers can administer quality, safe and efficient healthcare delivery. The system of interoperability will impact both patients and the organization’s staff. It will ensure faster and more efficient delivery of healthcare services.
The implementation of this system will involve training staff to ensure that they are conversant with the new date-sharing model and it will require few meetings to enlighten the staff within the organization about this proposed integration system. Each department within the hospital will be notified with a memo, and interdepartmental training on how to use the system will be slated afterward.
The hospital management will be actively involved in the integration of this new system of information sharing by drawing plans and supervising staff on the implementation procedures. The managers will be required to fund the integration process by sourcing funds through budgeting. The managers will also ensure accountability in areas such as effectiveness and adherence to regulatory principles. Departmental managers such as those in pharmaceutical areas will ensure that training of the members of the department is done. Communication will also be a key factor in the integration processes. Information on planned procedures and training for the staff will ensure that the system starts to operate timely. Leaders within the organization will also be involved in activities such as coordinating different groups across the department to focus on the common goal of ensuring the integration of the system. Leaders will oversee the management of teams and serve as the mediator between daily activities (Ledlow and Coppola, 2013).
References
Ledlow, G. J. R., & Coppola, M. N. (2013). Leadership for health professionals. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
