Welcome to HIM 350! Throughout this course you will learn about various
communications and technologies that have been implemented to advance
the delivery of healthcare. In this module, you will be introduced to
electronic health information exchange (HIE). In the multifaceted healthcare
industry, HIE may be considered as both an entity through which
information is exchanged and as a critical means for communicating health
information. While the number of HIEs (entities) may increase as healthcare
stakeholders begin to recognize the benefits, the true value of HIEs lies in
the ability to enable higher-quality care and better patient outcomes via
communication and collaboration.
It is essential to acknowledge the interchangeable nature of HIEs in order to
understand the communication processes and technologies needed to
support them. HIEs use various technological tools and techniques to
electronically manage access and securely share vital patient medical
information. The effects of storing and transmitting information are realized
throughout the care coordination cycle. Consequently, HIE implementation
impacts many different stakeholders along the entire continuum of care.
Useful strategies must be designed effectively to benefit stakeholders and
attain their buy-in. You will identify the healthcare stakeholders, explore the
challenges they face, and consider the positive impact that adopting an HIE
infrastructure may have. Efforts to improve the overall coordination and
delivery of care are driving the demand for HIE between healthcare
professionals. HIE has the potential to improve the quality, safety, and
efficiency of healthcare as well as achieve essential hospital business
objectives. Additionally, governance processes are employed to ensure that
the appropriate information is shared between the proper individuals and to
oversee the effects of these plans on stakeholders.
For your assignments in this module, you will assess the implementation of
HIE based on its purpose, objectives, and benefits. In your discussion, you
will consider all the relevant parties involved, why and how HIE is
substantial, and what factors must be in place for HIE to be successful.
Then, in your journal, you will review a case study to determine what
information should be accessed and shared by which parties. As you move
through this module, take note of the means by which HIE facilitates safer
information transfer and improved patient outcomes.
