Predictive, Proactive, Personalized Care Depends on Data Interoperability

Currently, healthcare data is siloed in various areas of the healthcare system. There are data points on patients that aren’t being shared between payers and providers in the healthcare ecosystem -- often due to the antiquated systems that are in place to share data across a wide range of hospitals and insurance companies. This leads to patient distrust which makes it difficult to fully take advantage of the patient data being collected in order to deliver a higher quality and lower cost of care. There is currently little to no data interoperability – creating dangerous gaps and inequalities in the healthcare system. As healthcare professionals, it's time we look at data interoperability as the means to creating truly proactive, predictive, personalized care for all.  

So, what exactly is "data interoperability"? Data interoperability seeks to dissolve the current healthcare system silos that separate data and therefore give the healthcare industry the ability to create, share, and consume data more efficiently. Eventually, interoperability will lead to much more context and further meaning for the data being generated. This allows organizations to break down siloed data while giving them agency over the data they collect. For healthcare, interoperability consists of four levels from foundational – establishing inter-connectivity requirements, structural – syntax and organization of data, semantic – creating standards for data, and organizational – including policy, governance, social, and legal considerations. This framework allows healthcare organizations to collect and share data securely across the full spectrum of patient care.   

Currently, there are several challenges facing data interoperability in the healthcare sector. From Data Blocking to a lack of standardization of data and data collection practices in healthcare, these are challenges that must be overcome if we are to enable and deliver a higher level of care to patients. Despite these challenges, we have seen where data interoperability can deliver care across multiple care modalities. The incorporation of "Big Data" by physicians is just one way we're using data to close the gaps in our healthcare system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential for utilization was clearly seen in our increased efficiency with remote patient care and telemedicine – an option that was previously unheard of for many patients. Patients are also now far more willing to share their own collected health data. From fitness trackers to smartphone apps, the average person is not only more likely to keep this data on themselves but also more likely to want to share this information with their physician. 

When it comes to data sharing, a big concern is data security. One of the ways to mitigate this risk is through blockchain technology. While blockchain is best known for its use in cryptocurrency, it is being used in healthcare to keep an incorruptible, decentralized, and transparent data log all while keeping the patient’s identity private. This allows patients, providers, and payers to share information quickly and safely. Previously, Anthem collaborated on a blockchain solution known as the health utility network. This has evolved into the recent founding of Avaneer Health, which will use blockchain technology to: improve healthcare efficiency, utilize a public ledger to support better claims processing, secure healthcare data exchanges, and keep provider directories maintained and up-to-date. By leveraging exponential technologies, like blockchain, the potential for proactive and personalized healthcare is within reach for both patients and healthcare providers. 

In the coming years, data interoperability in the healthcare industry will continue to evolve – there will be technological improvements that will make the data gathering process easier. It will be up to healthcare providers to make the technological investments in data interoperability to allow for all this clinical data to be shared seamlessly across the healthcare spectrum. While there is still work to be done, creating a frictionless exchange of clinical data will be the path toward a truly value-based healthcare system.  

Interested in learning more about how exponential technologies like big data exchange, AI, and blockchain are being applied to transform the future of healthcare? Pre-order my newest book “You and AI: A Citizen’s Guide to AI, Blockchain, and Puzzling Together the Future of Healthcare” on Amazon!