The digital health space refers to the integration of technology and health care services to improve the overall quality of health care delivery. It encompasses a wide range of innovative and emerging technologies such as wearables, telehealth, artificial intelligence, mobile health, and electronic health records (EHRs). The digital health space offers numerous benefits such as improved patient outcomes, increased access to health care, reduced costs, and improved communication and collaboration between patients and health care providers. For example, patients can now monitor their vital signs such as blood pressure and glucose levels from home using wearable devices and share the data with their doctors in real-time. Telehealth technology allows patients to consult with their health care providers remotely without having to travel to the hospital, making health care more accessible, particularly in remote or rural areas. Artificial intelligence can be used to analyze vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns, predict outcomes, and provide personalized treatment recommendations. Overall, the digital health space is rapidly evolving, and the integration of technology in health

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Can APIs Really Improve HIT? |

        Application Program Interfaces such as the  google play store and apple store are widely known due to their overwhelming consumer marketplace. Not so  well known are the thousands of  APIs already in place in electronic health records use to interface add on features in the core EHR functions.  ('there's an app for that)

        A critical element of business success across industries has been the surge in use of open application programming interfaces (API) that provide data for applications that did not create or originate the data. APIs are the technical foundation of engaging interfaces and high-value interactions between different applications. Application ecosystems such as Google Play and Apple App Store would not exist without open APIs that enable data access across multiple sources and organizations. APIs have fueled the growth of application vendors like Salesforce, Workday and countless others. Open APIs in healthcare promise a HIPAA-compliant way to enhance a digital portfolio with an ecosystem of third party applications and services.
The API Opportunity in Healthcare
  • Big Potential – HCO C-suites, IT organizations, and clinical leadership need no convincing about the potential that APIs offer. Despite concerns about the path to value most expect API programs to deliver functional enhancements, improvements to user interfaces and broader dissemination of digital assets across their connected communities.
  • HCOs Want to Spread Expertise – API-based development, together with advanced analytics, can increase the effectiveness of existing applications by enhancing the expertise of individual clinicians. Together with programs like telehealth and substitution, expertise enhancement will make data more actionable.
  • Only Large HCOs Can Invest – The largest HCOs are currently expending some time and resources on APIs. Smaller HCOs are waiting for their HIT vendors to show them the way.
  • Mid-size and Smaller HCOs Will Follow – These HCOs, who all struggle with the “tyranny of the moment”, will wait for tangible results from leaders to demonstrate the utility and efficacy of open APIs.

The API Challenges
  • Reimbursement and Regulation Impede Data Sharing – The continued dominance of FFS-based payments and HIPAA are seen by many as counterproductive to data interoperability.
  • HCOs and Clinicians are Overwhelmed – HCO IT organizations and innovation centers are carpet-bombed with IT proposals. HCOs see process change as the way to adapt to changing payments. They want technology to help but it is not the first tool they reach for.
  • Lack of Clear Business or Clinical Justification – The wait-and-see stance of most HCOs stems from the demands of keeping existing processes functional and the practical reality that they only want to invest if a clear need can be addressed.
  • Payment Uncertainty – Most people believe that patients will not pay for apps, at least not directly. No one has ruled out the possibility of indirect payment. HCOs will pay only if there is demonstrable value or if an app provides actionable data.
  • Legacy Issues – Legacy software and skills makes modern web deployment ideas and technologies difficult to incorporate into existing software infrastructure plans.











Can APIs Really Improve HIT? | Chilmark Research
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1 comment:

  1. UnknownDecember 26, 2016 at 11:36 PM

    Web (app) based telemedicine solutions are growing rather quickly with more and more options available to people. The benefits offered by telemedicine providers make them a viable choice for patients and doctors to opt for.

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