Information blocking is a practice that healthcare providers use to prevent the sharing of electronic health information with other providers, patients and caregivers. The practice restricts access to information due to legal, privacy or financial concerns. It is a common problem in the healthcare industry and has a huge impact on patient care.
One of the primary ways in which information blocking affects patient care is by denying patients access to their own health information. When patients are not able to access their health data, they are unable to make informed decisions about their care. This can result in delayed or incorrect diagnosis and treatment, leading to poor patient outcomes.
Information blocking also impacts clinical care in a number of ways. It affects the ability of healthcare providers to provide coordinated care across different settings, as well as their ability to share critical information in real-time. This can lead to medical errors such as duplicative tests and procedures, missed diagnoses, and ineffective treatment.
In addition to these patient care outcomes, information blocking has significant financial drawbacks. When healthcare providers are not able to access information they need about a patient’s medical history and previous treatments, they may order unnecessary tests and procedures. This can increase the overall cost of care and put an undue burden on patients and payers.
The issue of information blocking has gained greater attention in recent years, particularly with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. The Act includes provisions that prohibit information blocking and empower patients to access and control their health data.
Healthcare providers should be aware of the impact that information blocking can have on patient care, and take steps to address the issue. This includes working to develop policies and procedures that promote information sharing and encourage the use of compatible electronic health records systems.
In conclusion, information blocking is a significant issue that has a far-reaching impact on patient care and outcomes. Healthcare providers must work to overcome this challenge and improve the sharing of health information to ensure that patients have access to the care they need. By doing so, we can enhance the quality of care and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
