The Widespread Ripples of Information Blocking in Healthcare
The healthcare sector has seen a significant upsurge in the use of electronic healthcare systems(EHS) to store and manage patient data. These systems have been implemented to improve the quality of care provided in hospitals and healthcare facilities around the world. However, the increasing use of electronic healthcare systems has also led to the rise of a new problem – Information Blocking.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking is the act of intentionally preventing the sharing of electronic patient information between healthcare providers, patients and other authorized parties. It can be caused by many factors such as technical, financial, organizational or regulatory ones. The practice of withholding electronic patient data has been linked to a range of negative consequences that go beyond the immediate harm caused to patients.
Impact on Patient Care
One of the most significant impacts of information blocking in healthcare is the harm to patient care. Providers who are unable to access important patient information in a timely manner may be more likely to make errors in diagnosis, treatment, or medication. Information blocking can also delay or prevent treatment entirely, leading to more serious health consequences for patients. Furthermore, the fragmentation of patient data through information blocking can lead to poor continuity of care.
Effect on Patient Safety
Information blocking can lead to serious safety risks for patients. It can create gaps in medical information, which can lead to duplicative testing or even mistreatment. Patients with chronic conditions may be affected the most, as their medical histories and medication lists are routinely updated, and any missing information has the potential to cause irreparable harm.
Challenges to Interoperability
One major reason why information blocking is happening is that EHSs are not fully interoperable with each other. This lack of interoperability makes it difficult to share electronic patient data across different systems. Healthcare providers may be reluctant to invest in systems that are not interoperable, leading to the practice of information blocking. This, in turn, can make it difficult for healthcare facilities to participate effectively in health information exchange( HIE).
Legal and Ethical Implications
The practice of Information blocking also carries significant legal and ethical implications. Healthcare providers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide care that is patient-centric and evidence-based. By withholding important patient data, providers may be violating these obligations, leading to legal action and financial penalties.
Addressing the Issue of Information Blocking
Information blocking is a complex issue that requires collaboration across stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, healthcare providers and patients. Some possible solutions include developing an interoperable framework, creating incentives for healthcare providers to participate in more robust health information exchange systems, and educating healthcare providers on the importance of timely and accurate sharing of patient information.
Conclusion
Information blocking is a growing problem that has far-reaching implications for patient care, safety, and the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare providers. Addressing this issue will require a concerted effort across stakeholders and a commitment to creating a more interoperable and patient-centric healthcare system. The consequences of information blocking are too severe to ignore, and the benefits of effective health information exchange will be felt by patients, providers and the healthcare industry as a whole.
