Blog | Integrated care through enhanced interoperability

Real-time connectivity among health technologies is crucial for facilitating the provision of safer and timely patient care. At its core, interoperability serves as the element that links diverse healthcare settings within Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), unifying services irrespective of the technology or healthcare provider.

We engaged in a conversation with our Group Interoperability Director, Liam King, to delve into the significance of interoperability in shaping a patient-centric NHS and its pivotal role in delivering genuinely integrated care.

What exactly is interoperability?

Interoperability may sound technical, but let's simplify it – think of it as various building blocks or puzzle pieces that seamlessly connect one thing to another. Embedding interoperability ensures that diverse healthcare technologies can collaborate effectively, even if they differ. In healthcare, interoperable technology integrates systems and data, creating a clear and accurate representation of a patient's health.

Our customers use a variety of IT systems, software, medical devices, electronic health records, imaging technology, healthcare robotics, data, and more, to facilitate the smooth delivery of care. When all these health technologies work together seamlessly, organisations can offer a streamlined patient experience, regardless of the setting in which they seek care.

How can interoperability help overcome healthcare challenges?

One of the primary hurdles lies in the diversity of systems and technologies used, each with their own data formats and structures. Our successful partner programme provides more than 140 partner systems the flexibility to interoperate with our core clinical systems via various interfaces to suit local needs. Partners can retrieve rich data and file back into EMIS applications or surface data locked in other systems. For example, we’ve provided One London ICS solutions that join-up real-time patient data using the Medical Interoperability Gateway (MIG®) moving data into different clinical systems and use Portal SDK to launch their shared care record within EMIS Web. You can read our customer story here to learn more.

Why are interoperability standards important?

At EMIS, we're all about making things click. You know, that "aha" moment when everything falls into place seamlessly? That's exactly what interoperability standards do for us. We’re continuously collaborating with industry partners such as the Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB), NHS England, and our customers to identify gaps, maximise opportunities to become that universal translator for health data – making sure different systems and technologies can have that friendly chat without any language barriers. Using Open APIs, RESTFUL FHIR interfaces, and working to make sure that our products comply with SNOMED CT clinical coding result in our ability to provide a consistent approach for interoperability. Implementing standards means it is easier for our partner systems to interact and speak to our systems to share clinical information, patient records or streamline workflows.

Benefits Beyond Technology: How can interoperability impact patient care?

Putting the tech jargon aside, our vision is to be the leading provider of innovative healthcare technology that improves people’s lives.

In the background, interoperability is the unsung hero, ensuring the seamless flow of health data and simplifying the lives of healthcare professionals engaged in delivering direct or proactive care. Whether it's a medical record smoothly transitioning from a GP practice to a specialist consultant in an NHS trust or a prescribed medication arriving at your local community pharmacy without the burden of paperwork, the result is a faster, more accurate outcome. This leads to fewer repeated tests, a reduced risk of vital information getting lost, and the formulation of personalised treatment plan. With everyone in the healthcare loop on the same wavelength, the net effect is an enhancement in patient outcomes, providing a more cohesive and effective healthcare experience.

Disclaimer

This article was prepared by Liam King in a personal capacity. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by the author of this piece belong to the author and do not purport to represent the views, thoughts and opinions of Optum. Any general health information contained in this article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for your doctor’s care.

About the author

Liam King

Interoperability director

Liam King has led businesses across the health and social care IT space for over 17 years. His experience stretches right across health and care sectors including pharmacy, primary care, community, mental health, acute and social care. Liam is currently the interoperability director at Optum, with previous experience including managing director at Healthcare Gateway.