Talking HealthTech: 449 – Connecting Care Across the Globe. Chris Lucas, Orion Health

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In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Chris Lucas, Vice President of Digital Care Records at Orion Health, speaks with host Peter Birch to explore the innovative strides Orion Health is making in the field of healthcare information systems. This discussion, recorded during the Digital Health Festival 2024, explores how digital care records, Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), and technology-driven solutions transform healthcare delivery worldwide.

The Evolution of Digital Care Records

The healthcare landscape is witnessing profound changes driven by the digitalisation of health records. Chris explains how Orion Health has been at the forefront of this movement, pushing the global boundaries of digital care records. From integrating HIEs to deploying shared care records, digital records are now a cornerstone of modern healthcare.

Digital care records have changed the way patient data is accessed and utilised. These records provide a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history by aggregating health information from various sources. The advent of digital care records marks a significant leap from traditional paper-based systems, offering a more efficient, accurate, and accessible way to manage patient data. It is important to have this information available at the right place and at the right time.

Global Health Information Exchanges

HIEs are essential for enabling the flow of health information across different healthcare settings. Early adopters like Canada and the UK have recognised the potential of HIEs to streamline healthcare processes and enhance patient outcomes. These systems ensure that healthcare providers have access to complete and current medical records, facilitating the sharing of critical patient information across provincial and national borders.

For instance, Canada has made significant strides in creating a unified clinical record across provinces. Similarly, the UK has been working on a shared care programme for a decade, integrating social care systems with health information systems for a holistic approach to patient care.

The Impact of COVID-19 on HIEs

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of robust healthcare information systems. Many health economies recognised the value of consolidating patient information to provide better care during the crisis. The pandemic hastened the adoption of digital care records and HIEs, showcasing their role in facilitating coordinated care across diverse healthcare settings. Leading up to COVID-19, numerous health economies had already understood the benefits of integrating information for direct care purposes.

Challenges in Interoperability and Data Sharing

Interoperability and data sharing remain key challenges in the healthcare sector. For example, electronic discharge summaries often face hurdles in ensuring that information flows seamlessly between different systems. The slow adoption of standards like FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) further complicates this issue. A unified approach to data sharing is essential to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

The Role of Primary Care Information

Primary care information is critical in providing comprehensive care. Integrating data from primary care services, such as general practitioners and community health services, into HIEs ensures that secondary care providers have a complete understanding of a patient’s medical history. This integration allows for better-informed decision-making and more effective care planning.

Holistic Healthcare and Social Determinants

Holistic healthcare takes into account not only medical aspects but also social determinants of health, such as transport, housing, and socio-economic factors. Providers can deliver better care by anticipating and understanding a person’s overall situation. Integrating social care data into healthcare records enables the development of more tailored and effective care plans that address the broader context of a patient’s life.

Simplifying Access for Clinicians

One of the primary goals of digital care records and HIEs is to make it easier for clinicians to access relevant patient information. Features like single sign-on and intuitive user interfaces reduce the burden on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus on patient care rather than navigating complex systems. Streamlined access to patient data enhances efficiency and improves the overall quality of care.

The Potential of AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning have the potential to revolutionise healthcare information systems. These technologies can analyse vast amounts of unstructured data to extract meaningful insights, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans. Orion Health is exploring using AI to summarise patient records, identify key clinical terms, and efficiently present relevant information to clinicians. By navigating through entire patient records and extracting appropriate clinical terms, they aim to enhance the utility and accessibility of patient data.

Leveraging Unstructured Data

Unstructured data, such as clinical notes and patient histories, holds valuable information that can be difficult to access and interpret. By leveraging AI, healthcare systems can unlock the potential of this data, providing clinicians with a more comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health. This approach allows for quicker and more informed decision-making, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

The Future of Patient Engagement

The future of healthcare lies in engaging patients more actively in their own care. By providing patients access to their health records through patient portals, they can become more informed and involved in their treatment plans. This transparency fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers and encourages patients to take a more proactive role in managing their health.

Global Innovations and Collaborations

Orion Health is at the forefront of global healthcare innovation, working on significant projects demonstrating the potential of digital care records and HIEs. For example, the recent deployment of an HIE in Saudi Arabia will connect over 5,000 providers, impacting the lives of more than 35 million people. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a connected healthcare ecosystem across the Gulf region, facilitating the exchange of health information and improving the continuity of care.

Progress in Ontario, Canada

Ontario, Canada, exemplifies the progressive implementation of digital healthcare solutions. Orion Health is modernising the technology stack and integrating various clinical viewers into a unified system. This initiative aims to create a single platform where clinicians and patients can access the same information, thereby improving the quality and coordination of care. This unified access empowers consumers and their caregivers to leverage the information for better self-advocacy and care management.

Embracing the Digital Future

Digital healthcare innovation involves adopting new technologies and transforming the entire healthcare ecosystem. Embracing digital care records, HIEs, and AI can revolutionise how healthcare is delivered, making it more efficient, accurate, aand patient-centred. Collaboration between healthcare providers, technologists, and policymakers is crucial in driving this transformation forward.

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