Manchester Health Access Network (MHAN) members must select a model and type of exchange for their network. The centralized model assumes a single Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW), where all information is stored for providers to access. It implies a high cost of development and maintenance and a long time for implementation due to the need to establish a single system (Southern New Hampshire University [SNHU], n.d.).
However, its advantage is that the centralized model assumes a single control center supports security, high interoperability, and rapid information receipt, making it effective (Lee-Eichenwald, 2018). A decentralized or federal model involves participants using several CDWs to identify where the necessary information is located to send a request for it (SNHU, n.d.). Such a model demands less cost and time to implement but may be less effective due to the many steps to obtain information (SNHU, n.d.). At the same time, data security depends on the capabilities of each party involved.
Another potential Health Information Exchange (HIE) model for implementation is a hybrid one, which combines the features of the two described models. It may suggest using both central CDW and CDWs of participants (SNHU, n.d.). The central repository makes a significant part of the information available without being queried, but storing some of the data in organizations’ warehouses can improve security (Lee-Eichenwald, 2018).
Moreover, it requires less time and cost than implementing a centralized model, which is essential for MHAN due to the limited budget and urgency of solving problems. Since the model combines the elements of the other two, it represents a balance between their capabilities while retaining advantages and is, therefore, the best to implement in the case of MHAN.
MHAN can also include various forms of health information exchange. Directed exchange assumes that professionals directly share data over the Internet in an encrypted format for security (The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology [ONC], 2019). Query-based exchange implies that the information will be sent and received only after the corresponding request (ONC, 2019).
Finally, through consumer-mediated exchange, patients themselves control information and can transmit it between providers (ONC, 2019). Since a hybrid model is an acceptable HIE model for MHAN, a similar approach can be used to select the type of exchange. Direct exchange may be necessary when transferring a patient or in urgent situations and requests for non-urgent data. This hybrid approach will increase the security of patients’ information and, at the same time, can facilitate their treatment.
The MHAN network must promote interoperability standards using a hybrid and exchange model. To achieve this goal, participants can use several strategies. In particular, it is necessary to standardize the data formats that they exchange and use the same terminology and dictionaries (Lee-Eichenwald, 2018). The parties involved should also maintain high data quality and train employees to use HIE systems.
Another strategy is establishing a robust patient identification system that will help link patient information from various sources. It is important to use technologies that facilitate HIE and make it more efficient, such as application programming interfaces. By implementing these strategies, members of the MHAN network can take advantage of HIE, promoting interoperability. Thus, the most suitable options for MHAN are the hybrid HIE model and exchange, as they are suitable for cost and efficiency and allow providers to achieve the required level of interoperability. As a result, participants can share data to improve their services effectively.
References
Lee-Eichenwald, S. B. (2018). Health information technologies. In P. Oachs & A. Watters (Eds.), Health information management: Concepts, principles, and practice (6th ed, pp. 355-404). AHIMA Press.
Southern New Hampshire University. (n.d.). HIM 350 case study. Web.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. (2019). The 3 key forms of health information exchange. Web.