Data environments throughout the healthcare landscape are growing exponentially, evolving even before effective data collection strategies can be put in place. With new regulations and requirements mandated every year, both healthcare organizations and software vendors are challenged with developing data collection and evaluation processes that can be standardized across departments.
This rapid evolution is making traditional EHRs obsolete, begetting the need for a solution that combines structured data capture with interoperability. To understand what this solution looks like, it’s important to identify the major improvement areas that will ultimately enable a single source of truth.
These options, while each effective in their own way, tend to result in even more challenges such as the creation of manual, ad-hoc processes, the use of spreadsheets and standalone databases and of course, the increased project costs and risks – all of which prevent the fruition of a single source of truth.
Rather than relying on customized solutions to magically address these challenges, providers and vendors are collaborating to create a valuable solution known as a 'platform'. A platform maintains all of the capabilities of an EHR product but also includes a robust set of tools and APIs that can be used and enhanced by customers or third parties.
A good example of a working platform is the Apple iPhone. When it was introduced to the market, the iPhone had a mere 15 applications to offer its users. However, as a platform, the device allowed other people – customers and third parties – to create apps and add their own value. Today, the product is seemingly limitless, offering users with more than one million apps. Instead of its value being solely created by the vendor, it’s collaborative and created by all.
Because of the growth in data environments and the consistant implementation of new regulations, healthcare organizations and software vendors need to evolve their data collection and evaluation processes. By working together to develop a viable solution that combines structured data capture with interoperability, providers and vendors can adjust their capabilities to adapt seamlessly to data complexities.