Interoperability: Improve satisfaction, drive success

Q. How does interoperability impact clinician or provider satisfaction?
A. Interoperability, by definition, is the ability of different information technology systems to communicate and exchange data, and to use the information that has been exchanged. In health care, that means being able to share information seamlessly between different electronic health records (EHRs), hospital systems and other care providers. Accordingly, the impact of interoperability is significant. If only it were that easy.

The problem is that many information systems are not interoperable, which leads to frustration on the part of clinicians who must waste time entering data into multiple systems, trying to reconcile different versions of patient records, and spending hours chasing patient information.

By maintaining the same level of accuracy and integrity through interoperability, you minimize the possibility of errors in patient data, and maximize the likelihood of positive outcomes. As a result, interoperability has been shown to have a positive impact on clinician satisfaction because it allows providers to easily exchange patient information and see a complete picture of a patient's health.

Operating with comprehensive knowledge, this empowers clinicians to make confident and informed decisions about patient care, ultimately leading to better satisfaction. 
Interoperability helps reduce clinician burnout by making it easier for them to do their jobs by providing them with the information they need when they need it. When clinicians have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively, they are more likely to be satisfied with their work environment.

Overall, interoperability is a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to clinician satisfaction. By making it easier for clinicians to do their jobs and providing them with the information they need to provide quality care, interoperability can help improve clinician satisfaction, patient care and organizational success.

Nick Knowlton is vice president, business development at Brightree. FMI: www.brightree.com.