Lack of interoperability in healthcare is driving clinician burnout, according to a special publication the National Academy of Medicine published in October.
Because computer systems are unable to communicate with one another, clinicians and other end users are forced to take on "an exhausting litany of clerical tasks" that contribute to burnout and waste, according to the report, titled "Procuring Interoperability: Achieving High-Quality, Connected, and Person-Centered Care."
"Unlike in other industries, where computerization has made work easier, deployment of EHRs in their current state — coupled with growing requirements for high-quality reporting and regulatory compliance — create additional work and exacerbate clinician burnout," the report states.
The report lists five action items healthcare organizations should prioritize to reduce clinician burnout:
- Make interoperability a priority and form a group to champion an IT procurement strategy
- Set interoperability goals, requirements and model use cases to support organizational priorities and patient outcomes
- Align with stakeholders on requirements and specifications
- Include clear interoperability requirements in proposals, purchases and contracts
- Track short- and long-term metrics to ensure interoperability efforts are contributing to improved health outcomes
The report also encourages collaboration across the healthcare industry. "In the marketplace, it is also a critical time to ensure that competition among healthcare providers and technology vendors is focused on quality and value, rather than on exclusivity and proprietorship of data."
Click here to access the NAM report.