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Li E, Lounsbury O, Clarke J, Ashrafian H, Darzi A, Neves AL. Perceptions of chief clinical information officers on the state of electronic health records systems interoperability in NHS England: a qualitative interview study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:158. [PMID: 37573388 PMCID: PMC10423420 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02255-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the era of electronic health records (EHR), the ability to share clinical data is a key facilitator of healthcare delivery. Since the introduction of EHRs, this aspect has been extensively studied from the perspective of healthcare providers. Less often explored are the day-to-day challenges surrounding the procurement, deployment, maintenance, and use of interoperable EHR systems, from the perspective of healthcare administrators, such as chief clinical information officers (CCIOs). OBJECTIVE Our study aims to capture the perceptions of CCIOs on the current state of EHR interoperability in the NHS, its impact on patient safety, the perceived facilitators and barriers to improving EHR interoperability, and what the future of EHR development in the NHS may entail. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2020 - October 2021. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit NHS England CCIOs. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed by two independent researchers to identify emerging themes. RESULTS Fifteen CCIOs participated in the study. Participants reported that limited EHR interoperability contributed to the inability to easily access and transfer data into a unified source, thus resulting in data fragmentation. The resulting lack of clarity on patients' health status negatively impacts patient safety through suboptimal care coordination, duplication of efforts, and more defensive practice. Facilitators to improving interoperability included the recognition of the need by clinicians, patient expectations, and the inherent centralised nature of the NHS. Barriers included systems usability difficulties, and institutional, data management, and financial-related challenges. Looking ahead, participants acknowledged that realising that vision across the NHS would require a renewed focus on mandating data standards, user-centred design, greater patient involvement, and encouraging inter-organisational collaboration. CONCLUSION Tackling poor interoperability will require solutions both at the technical level and in the wider policy context. This will involve demanding interoperability functionalities from the outset in procurement contracts, fostering greater inter-organisation cooperation on implementation strategies, and encouraging systems vendors to prioritise interoperability in their products. Only by comprehensively addressing these challenges would the full potential promised by the use of fully interoperable EHRs be realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Li
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Jonathan Clarke
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Mathematics of Precision Healthcare, Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hutan Ashrafian
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ara Darzi
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ana Luisa Neves
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision, Center for Health Technology and Services Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Cumyn A, Ménard JF, Barton A, Dault R, Lévesque F, Ethier JF. Patients and Members of the Public’s Wishes Regarding Transparency in the Context of Secondary Use of Health Data: A Scoping Review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e45002. [PMID: 37052967 PMCID: PMC10141314 DOI: 10.2196/45002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary use of health data has reached unequaled potential to improve health systems governance, knowledge, and clinical care. Transparency regarding this secondary use is frequently cited as necessary to address deficits in trust and conditional support and to increase patient awareness. OBJECTIVE We aimed to review the current published literature to identify different stakeholders' perspectives and recommendations on what information patients and members of the public want to learn about the secondary use of health data for research purposes and how and in which situations. METHODS Using PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review using Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases to locate a broad range of studies published in English or French until November 2022. We included articles reporting a stakeholder's perspective or recommendations of what information patients and members of the public want to learn about the secondary use of health data for research purposes and how or in which situations. Data were collected and analyzed with an iterative thematic approach using NVivo. RESULTS Overall, 178 articles were included in this scoping review. The type of information can be divided into generic and specific content. Generic content includes information on governance and regulatory frameworks, technical aspects, and scientific aims. Specific content includes updates on the use of one's data, return of results from individual tests, information on global results, information on data sharing, and how to access one's data. Recommendations on how to communicate the information focused on frequency, use of various supports, formats, and wording. Methods for communication generally favored broad approaches such as nationwide publicity campaigns, mainstream and social media for generic content, and mixed approaches for specific content including websites, patient portals, and face-to-face encounters. Content should be tailored to the individual as much as possible with regard to length, avoidance of technical terms, cultural competence, and level of detail. Finally, the review outlined 4 major situations where communication was deemed necessary: before a new use of data, when new test results became available, when global research results were released, and in the advent of a breach in confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights how different types of information and approaches to communication efforts may serve as the basis for achieving greater transparency. Governing bodies could use the results: to elaborate or evaluate strategies to educate on the potential benefits; to provide some knowledge and control over data use as a form of reciprocity; and as a condition to engage citizens and build and maintain trust. Future work is needed to assess which strategies achieve the greatest outreach while striking a balance between meeting information needs and use of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Cumyn
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en informatique de la santé, Faculté des sciences/Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Frédéric Ménard
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en informatique de la santé, Faculté des sciences/Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Faculté de droit, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Adrien Barton
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en informatique de la santé, Faculté des sciences/Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Institut de recherche en informatique de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Roxanne Dault
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en informatique de la santé, Faculté des sciences/Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Frédérique Lévesque
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en informatique de la santé, Faculté des sciences/Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Ethier
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire en informatique de la santé, Faculté des sciences/Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Ivanova J, Tang T, Idouraine N, Murcko A, Whitfield MJ, Dye C, Chern D, Grando A. Behavioral Health Professionals' Perceptions on Patient-Controlled Granular Information Sharing (Part 2): Focus Group Study. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e18792. [PMID: 35442213 PMCID: PMC9069296 DOI: 10.2196/18792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-directed selection and sharing of health information "granules" is known as granular information sharing. In a previous study, patients with behavioral health conditions categorized their own health information into sensitive categories (eg, mental health) and chose the health professionals (eg, pharmacists) who should have access to those records. Little is known about behavioral health professionals' perspectives of patient-controlled granular information sharing (PC-GIS). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess behavioral health professionals' (1) understanding of and opinions about PC-GIS; (2) accuracy in assessing redacted medical information; (3) reactions to patient rationale for health data categorization, assignment of sensitivity, and sharing choices; and (4) recommendations to improve PC-GIS. METHODS Four 2-hour focus groups and pre- and postsurveys were conducted at 2 facilities. During the focus groups, outcomes from a previous study on patients' choices for medical record sharing were discussed. Thematic analysis was applied to focus group transcripts to address study objectives. RESULTS A total of 28 health professionals were recruited. Over half (14/25, 56%) were unaware or provided incorrect definitions of granular information sharing. After PC-GIS was explained, all professionals demonstrated understanding of the terminology and process. Most (26/32 codes, 81%) recognized that key medical data had been redacted from the study case. A majority (41/62 codes, 66%) found the patient rationale for categorization and data sharing choices to be unclear. Finally, education and other approaches to inform and engage patients in granular information sharing were recommended. CONCLUSIONS This study provides detailed insights from behavioral health professionals on granular information sharing. Outcomes will inform the development, deployment, and evaluation of an electronic consent tool for granular health data sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ivanova
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Tianyu Tang
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Nassim Idouraine
- College of Health Solutions, Biomedical Informatics, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Anita Murcko
- College of Health Solutions, Biomedical Informatics, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | | | - Christy Dye
- Partners in Recovery, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Darwyn Chern
- Partners in Recovery, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Adela Grando
- College of Health Solutions, Biomedical Informatics, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
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Lounsbury O, Roberts L, Goodman JR, Batey P, Naar L, Flott KM, Lawrence-Jones A, Ghafur S, Darzi A, Neves AL. Opening a "Can of Worms" to Explore the Public's Hopes and Fears About Health Care Data Sharing: Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e22744. [PMID: 33616532 PMCID: PMC7939935 DOI: 10.2196/22744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that health care data sharing may strengthen care coordination, improve quality and safety, and reduce costs. However, to achieve efficient and meaningful adoption of health care data-sharing initiatives, it is necessary to engage all stakeholders, from health care professionals to patients. Although previous work has assessed health care professionals' perceptions of data sharing, perspectives of the general public and particularly of seldom heard groups have yet to be fully assessed. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the views of the public, particularly their hopes and concerns, around health care data sharing. METHODS An original, immersive public engagement interactive experience was developed-The Can of Worms installation-in which participants were prompted to reflect about data sharing through listening to individual stories around health care data sharing. A multidisciplinary team with expertise in research, public involvement, and human-centered design developed this concept. The installation took place in three separate events between November 2018 and November 2019. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was used in this study. Participants were asked to fill self-administered feedback cards and to describe their hopes and fears about the meaningful use of data in health care. The transcripts were compiled verbatim and systematically reviewed by four independent reviewers using the thematic analysis method to identify emerging themes. RESULTS Our approach exemplifies the potential of using interdisciplinary expertise in research, public involvement, and human-centered design to tell stories, collect perspectives, and spark conversations around complex topics in participatory digital medicine. A total of 352 qualitative feedback cards were collected, each reflecting participants' hopes and fears for health care data sharing. Thematic analyses identified six themes under hopes: enablement of personal access and ownership, increased interoperability and collaboration, generation of evidence for better and safer care, improved timeliness and efficiency, delivery of more personalized care, and equality. The five main fears identified included inadequate security and exploitation, data inaccuracy, distrust, discrimination and inequality, and less patient-centered care. CONCLUSIONS This study sheds new light on the main hopes and fears of the public regarding health care data sharing. Importantly, our results highlight novel concerns from the public, particularly in terms of the impact on health disparities, both at international and local levels, and on delivering patient-centered care. Incorporating the knowledge generated and focusing on co-designing solutions to tackle these concerns is critical to engage the public as active contributors and to fully leverage the potential of health care data use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Lounsbury
- Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- Patient Safety Movement Foundation, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lily Roberts
- Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R Goodman
- Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa Batey
- The Helix Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lenny Naar
- The Helix Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kelsey M Flott
- Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Lawrence-Jones
- Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Saira Ghafur
- Centre for Health Policy, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ara Darzi
- Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Luisa Neves
- Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research / Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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