In a recent American Medical News post, Doctors and Pharmacists unite to improve outcomes, the finding’s of an impressive pilot program were published. The program was focused on examining the impact of patient’s health when physicians and pharmacists collaborate. Results confirmed that individuals with chronic illnesses take their medications only 60-70% of time, but when physicians and pharmacists take a coordinated approach and transfer information amongst each other prescription rates increase to 90%.
Sharing information and collaborating creates bonds and ties that serve as the breeding ground for success. The issue in healthcare is that transferring information has been minimal and data siloed. However, solutions now exist to increase system interoperability, business intelligence and provide analytic support. Investing in these solutions will create a competitive advantage that will ensure long term success.
For example, having synchronized systems and business intelligence can provide organizations with the ability to use their data to improve quality of care. This is increasingly important as changes like improved informed consent includes even more data about costs, alternative treatments, and doctor and hospital performance – or as quality measures are made public.
If the positive results of compliance and HIT upgrades are responsible for notable feats in quality of care, then one question remains: Is it fair to say that organizations investing in life saving HIT will be viewed as the organizations that fully comprehend the “Do No Harm” oath?
