Clinical Value-Add for Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Abstract

Objectives: We describe the clinical utility- both positive and negative- of Health Information Exchanges (HIE) in order to ascertain how true value can be attained through the adoption of such a system.Methods: We performed a literature review over multiple databases of 350 articles pertaining to the topic. After screening for relevance, we selected 135 articles that discuss studies pertaining to HIE. Results: We populated two tables with information synthesized form the 135 journal articles. One table focuses on the positive aspects of HIE, and the second table focuses on the negative aspects of HIE. Our focus is to highlight clear benefits, notable uncertainties, and position them in juxtapose to establish a clear comparison.Conclusions: Though HIE have both positive and negative aspects, one must focus on the specificities of the health institution, including patient volume, demographics, and health focus, in order to determine the value of implementing such a system.