Intro to Population Health
Population health focuses on the health outcome of a group of individuals and concentrates primarily on improving the overall health of the group [1]. This is often done by improving and standardizing IT systems, as well as creating easy-to-use interfaces [1]. An effective method of doing this is by implementing human-centered design (HCD), which prioritizes the needs, preferences, and experiences of users. Furthermore, HCD encourages effective data integration and standardization, so that multiple federal health systems can share and track data in a meaningful way to promote positive population health outcomes.
HCD Enhances Data Integration and Interoperability in Federal EHR Systems
Often, traditional EHR systems suffer from fragmented data sources that are incompatible or hard to use together. HCD instead promotes interoperability between different federal health systems. This is crucial to population health management because it ensures a seamless exchange of health information between multiple systems. One way to implement this is by creating interfaces that facilitate easy data sharing and incorporate specific user needs. For instance, one key factor in population health is case reporting [1]. Case reporting includes details such as places where infectious diseases are occurring and even certain work conditions that may exacerbate health conditions [1]. HCD not only promotes efficient case reporting but also automatically tracks and alerts public health agencies of any worsening population health outcomes [1]. This in turn will allow for early and targeted interventions that address changes in population health and will improve overall health outcomes.
HCD Optimizes Provider Workflows and Encourages Patient Engagement
Incorporating HCD in federal EHR systems leads to easier-to-use interfaces for providers and patients. For instance, HCD can create interfaces that implement optimized workflows. This reduces burnout due to inefficient EHR systems and creates systems that seamlessly fit into current clinical workflows. Therefore, HCD is an effective method of incorporating feedback from providers so that their specific needs can be incorporated into EHR systems. Furthermore, prioritizing user-friendly interfaces also improves patient engagement. For instance, easy-to-use interfaces will make patients feel more comfortable engaging with health portals and remote health options. These tools can make it easier for patients to access health records, educational resources, and their doctors as needed. Overall, increased patient engagement makes it easier to identify patients who may need to be screened for health risks, as well as provide patients with preventative care options [1]. For instance, patients who are labeled as vulnerable populations can receive coordinated care promptly. Therefore, it’s important to create user interfaces that both clinicians and patients feel comfortable and satisfied with using so that health information can be collected and tracked in a meaningful way to prevent worsening health outcomes in population health.
Challenges that HCD Needs to Overcome in Regards to Federal EHR Systems
Although HCD pushes for innovations in federal electronic health records, it still has a long way to go in advancing population health. For instance, one of the biggest barriers that HCD must overcome is resistance to change. This is often due to providers and clinicians being accustomed to outdated and inefficient software, and struggling to transition to EHR systems that implement HCD. Furthermore, patients may also feel resistance to new systems, especially if they perceive them to be too complicated or unnecessarily complex. Therefore, it’s important to provide patients and providers with training and support during the transition process to decrease resistance.
Another challenge that HCD must overcome with regard to federal EHR systems is that implementation often requires substantial financial and human resources. Furthermore, designing user-friendly interfaces often requires significant research, testing, and feedback. This can be costly, especially when federal health agencies often have budget constraints. Therefore, HCD must be implemented in a cost-effective way that still meets the various regulations and policies that federal EHR systems are subject to. Overall, HCD is an effective way to drive innovation in federal EHR systems, however, developers must continue to consider and overcome barriers to HCD so that population health outcomes can be effectively tracked and improved.
HITS
HITS provides healthcare management services & works with doctors to develop health informatics tools that promote safe and secure care. We take pride in our services and settle for nothing other than 100% quality solutions for our clients. Having the right team assist with data sharing is crucial to encouraging collaborative and secure care. HITS also focuses on transforming health care by analyzing integrated medical solutions and evaluating information systems. Our goal is to enhance individual and population health outcomes, improve patient care, and strengthen the clinician-patient relationship.
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