Introduction to health information exchange

ABSTRACT

To support health care and public health in managing the array of information available about patients and populations, health systems have adopted a variety of information and communications technologies (ICT). Examples include electronic health record systems that document patient symptoms, diseases, and medications as well as health care processes. Yet, many ICT systems operate as islands unto themselves, unable to connect or share information with other ICT systems. Such fragmentation of data and information is an impediment to achieving the goal of efficient, coordinated health care delivery. It was further a major challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when information was rapidly needed yet challenging to access. Health information exchange (HIE) seeks to address the challenges of connecting disparate ICT systems, enabling information to be available when and where it is needed by clinicians, administrators, and public health authorities. This chapter robustly defines HIE, including its core components and various forms. This chapter further discusses the role of HIE in supporting care delivery and public health. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.