I am here today, 25th June 2018, at techUK HQ to hear the KLAS Report findings on NHS Interoperability. Tracey Watson, Director for Innovation and Partnerships at NHS Digital, begins with a reminder that the NHS are currently waiting for legislation to allow it to have the freedom to work together in a joined-up way.  Meanwhile, much work is being done to pave the way for interoperability.

KLAS, based in the US, have significant experience of impartially measuring supplier performance.  In 1996 they began collecting direct provider feedback on vendor performance with a view to creating transparency within the Healthcare sector.  Since 2014, they have been investigating issues of interoperability within the US healthcare system and were subsequently invited by the NHS to complete a similar review in the UK.  This initial report looks at existing data-sharing efforts, obstacles and progress.

Jason Hess of KLAS begins with a quote by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin):

"If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

Lord Kelvin

The survey in the UK had multiple respondents across health and social care; GP Practices, hospital trusts, CCGs, community and mental health trusts, social care and STP/Regional Network.  In total, 141 individuals and 124 unique organisations across England participated.  The report identifies heavy reliance on HIE / Clinical Portals and point-to-point interfaces.  Surprisingly, faxing and scanning are still a popular method of sharing information.

What Does Interoperability Mean for the Patient?

With patient information being stored in a variety of places, a large portion of an appointment with a Clinician can be taken up with them needing to log in and out of different portals to access the information they need for the patient sitting in front of them. 

As a patient, your experience of moving between different providers of the healthcare system should be seamless.  Research has shown that interoperability saves lives.  Having access to shared data allows for informed decision-making, so that the patient receives the best possible treatment and care.

Interoperability could have a positive impact in areas such as child health.  With all providers involved with the care of a child being able to access the right information at the right time, it could significantly improve the child's healthcare journey and help to prevent or successfully treat any deterioration in health, such as childhood obesity. 

The issue of privacy and data security will be a concern for many patients.  As highlighted by Adam Lewis, Programme Director of NHS Digital, in our blog NHS Digital: Information and technology for better health https://bit.ly/2I2CSLc, any system adopted by the NHS will need to be user-centric and consent-based, with patients ultimately having control over who their records are shared with.

How can Interoperability be successfully achieved?

A successful transition to interoperability will require resources and expertise.  Users adopting the new system will need training.  As Jason Hess points out, it's not a question of what technology is employed, it's how it is used that is key to successful implementation. Simply spending money is not enough to get a system that best suits the needs of the NHS.  Thought needs to be given to the governance of the system and how best it will work for the UK population, so that it can be adapted and personalised to achieve that. 

Post Contributor:

Caitriona Fitzsimons Digital Reporter