The connection between viewing medical historical information and using-clinical tests

Abstract

Health information exchange HIE interoperable networks are rapidly becoming the preferred infrastructure for transferring medical data and information between healthcare organisations. This study explored whether the use of interoperable networks such as HIE that provide physicians with medical history affects the rate of ordering tests and using imaging services. The database contains admissions to all interim and surgical departments in two hospitals. Results show that, the use of historical information did not reduce the rate of ordering imaging services. In fact, the rate increased for tomography, ultrasound, etc. Further analysis showed that test order rate depends on the diagnosis type of insurance, and age. Thus, physicians make use of historical information, and are aware of its importance. There was a positive relationship between using medical history on medical tests and current ordering. Hence, the likelihood of using tests performed in the past increases when the medical history is reviewed.