Slideshow: Provider perceptions of HIE

January 04, 2011

04:02 PM

Provider Perceptions of HIE

This slideshow details the results from a recent web-based survey conducted by Porter Research and Billian's HealthDATA regarding provider perceptions of HIE. Over 120 respondents with IT, clinical and financial responsibilities within their organizations participated.

New Business Models?

When asked if their organizations were considering moving to an ACO, patient-centered medical home or neither, 43% of respondents indicated they were considering moving to an ACO. Single-hospital facilities were much less likely to consider such a change.

Primary Strategic Initiative

Improving connectivity within the healthcare system is the primary strategic initiative for 45% of respondents. About 30% of respondents indicated that their primary strategic initiative for HIEs is to connect with communities outside of the health system.

Barriers & Challenges

The biggest challenge in implementing HIE solutions for 53% of respondents is cost. Other factors seen as barriers to HIE implementation include participation, standards/regulations, technical challenges and privacy.

Benefits of HIE

When asked what tangible benefits HIE will bring to their organizations, 57% of respondents indicated that HIE will improve quality of care. Greater administrative and clinical efficiency and access to information were noted as other benefits of HIE. Multi-hospital organizations were more likely to find administrative and clinical efficiency a top benefit of HIE.

Who Benefits from HIE?

Patients were overwhelmingly chosen - by 63% of respondents - as the stakeholder who would most benefit from HIE.

HIE Funding

Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe the federal government should provide funding for HIE. Multi-hospital organizations were much more likely to choose providers as the main source of funding for HIE.

HIE Requirements for Meaningful Use

Almost half of respondents indicated that they are mostly prepared for meeting the HIE requirements for meaningful use Stage 1. Less than 10% are prepared for Stages 2 and 3.

Vendor Attributes

When asked what were key vendor attributes when selecting a HIE solution, 43% of respondents indicated that vendors with cost-effective solutions are more attractive. This is consistent with the results of the survey's question about the barriers or challenges to HIE, which was cost. Respondents also valued experienced vendors with proven solutions and the compatibility of solutions with existing IT infrastructures.