Challenges with system integration
Hospitals often operate with a patchwork of legacy IT /OT systems built for a different era of healthcare. These systems, while reliable, were not designed to accommodate the demands of modern digital tools or the need for seamless data exchange. This creates significant obstacles when introducing modern technologies, such as patient engagement platforms, digital whiteboards, or room controls, into existing spaces and associated infrastructures. These additions can lead to isolated systems that fail to communicate effectively, undermining their potential value and impact.
The challenges are compounded by the aging infrastructure many hospitals are currently operating within. Legacy systems often require frequent maintenance and are prone to downtime, which can’t happen in critical environments like healthcare, further complicating efforts to modernize and impacting reliability. The cost of maintaining older systems, coupled with the effort needed to integrate them with newer technologies, can strain both CapEx and OpEx resources. These limitations are particularly pronounced in facilities where IT/OT departments are already stretched thin and may lack the specialized resources required to manage advanced technology integrations.
Regulatory compliance also presents another layer of difficulty. Healthcare providers adhere to strict data security and privacy standards, such as HIPAA and NIST cyber security requirements, which demand meticulous attention to how information flows across systems. When legacy systems are involved, ensuring compliance can be particularly challenging, as older platforms may not meet current security or interoperability standards. As a result, any new system must be carefully vetted to ensure it can interface securely with existing technology without introducing vulnerabilities.
Adding to the complexity is the sheer diversity of tools that hospitals now use to manage care. From electronic health records (EHRs) to patient room controls, these systems often come from different vendors, each with their own proprietary methods of operation. While some vendors are moving toward adopting standardized protocols like fast health interoperability resources (FHIR) and Health Level Seven (HL7), many systems still rely on unique interfaces that complicate integration efforts. This creates a situation where hospitals must juggle multiple systems that don’t naturally “speak the same language,” increasing the risk of inefficiencies, errors, and failures.
Without a deliberate focus on interoperability from the outset, hospitals risk implementing solutions that create more problems than they solve. Each new addition to the IT/OT ecosystem must be assessed not just for its individual capabilities but for how well it can operate with the broader system to ensure seamless operation.
From integration to intelligence: Making systems work together
The distinction between integration and interoperability is not merely technical; it is foundational to how healthcare systems operate and evolve. Integration establishes connections between systems, but interoperability enables these systems to collaborate effectively and exchange data in meaningful ways. This deeper level of connection ensures information flows with purpose, supporting clinical workflows, efficient building infrastructure, and a holistic view of patient’s journey digitally.
One of the keys to achieving interoperability lies in the use of standardized application programming interfaces (APIs). Companies that rely on standards-based APIs experience less burden in establishing and maintaining connections than those using proprietary APIs, with fewer reporting substantial effort when using standards-based methods. This is particularly significant for hospitals working with multiple vendors, as proprietary APIs can create bottlenecks and limit scalability.
The adoption of FHIR standards, for example, is growing especially as hospitals increasingly rely on EHR from various vendors. Since companies that integrate with various EHR vendors report more extensive use of FHIR standards, this trend demonstrates a shift toward open frameworks that prioritize compatibility and scalability. By leveraging these standardized approaches, healthcare providers build IT ecosystems that not only function efficiently today but can also adapt to future needs.
Similarly, BIM provides a data standard for all things building-related from lighting and window shade controls in patient rooms to rooftop chillers and HVAC systems serving the entire facility. These systems are vital for supporting a healthy environment within the hospital and they also can yield opportunities for substantial energy and cost savings when coupled with analytics and building control systems.
A critical aspect of interoperability is its impact on patient care. Effective data exchange ensures that clinicians have access to complete and up-to-date information, which enhances decision-making and reduces the risk of errors. It also allows hospitals to integrate advanced tools like patient engagement systems into existing workflows, maximizing their value and enhancing patient experience and clinical operations without creating silos or redundancy. When systems communicate effectively, the result is not just operational efficiency but also improved outcomes for patients and care teams alike.
What does good look like?
Effective interoperability in healthcare begins with a solid foundation of standardized open protocols that enable seamless data exchange and collaboration across systems. As noted, FHIR and BIM are two examples. Another critical factor in achieving interoperability is the selection of technology providers that align with open standards and offer comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. Hospitals that work with vendors committed to these standards benefit from more consistent data flow and fewer integration challenges, allowing them to better focus on patients.
It’s also essential to take a long-term view and choose systems that allow for modular upgrades and compatibility with other platforms. Open, non-proprietary architectures reduce long-term maintenance burdens and make it easier to incorporate innovative technologies as they emerge. For instance, Epic’s interoperability capabilities have enabled hospitals to connect critical data points across administrative and clinical systems. As Epic’s capabilities are utilized to scale interventions at multiple sites, healthcare providers have successfully enhanced operational workflows and clinical care coordination without compromising existing infrastructure.
Finally, fostering interoperability requires a strategic approach to vendor relationships and ongoing IT/OT investments. Establishing collaborative partnerships with technology providers ensures access to the necessary expertise and support for navigating the complexities of system integration. This approach not only improves the initial implementation of new tools but also builds a more adaptable technology ecosystem that can evolve alongside the hospital’s needs. By prioritizing solutions built around interoperability, hospitals position themselves to meet the demands of modern healthcare delivery today while maintaining operational resilience and patient-focused care ready for the future.
The long-term wins of interoperability
When hospitals successfully implement interoperable systems, they streamline workflows and enhance clinical decision-making. For example, the widespread adoption of patient engagement tools has made it easier for hospitals to share clinical information with patients. This, in turn, supports a more collaborative, more personal approach to care.
By avoiding data silos, healthcare facilities can also reduce administrative burdens, freeing up staff to focus on priorities like population health initiatives and predictive analytics. When systems exchange information seamlessly, hospitals can aggregate and analyze data to identify trends, anticipate future needs, and make more informed decisions at both the individual and population levels. This not only aids in delivering better care but also positions facilities to meet value-based care goals, which increasingly emphasize outcomes and efficiency.
Operational costs also see a marked improvement with interoperability. As systems are better able to communicate, hospitals face fewer technical barriers that can lead to delays, maintenance needs, or resource-intensive workarounds. This not only reduces downtime but also helps optimize resource allocation. Facilities relying on aging IT/OT infrastructure can particularly benefit from this, as interoperability minimizes the strain new technologies might otherwise place on older systems.
Finally, prioritizing interoperability fosters greater flexibility and scalability within a hospital’s IT/OT ecosystem. By implementing systems that can adapt technology, healthcare providers are better equipped to handle future standards and technology challenges and innovations without extensive overhauls. This positions hospitals to remain agile in an ever-changing industry, ensuring their investments in technology deliver long-term value. With modern healthcare placing an ever-growing emphasis on digital tools, smart building systems and patient-centered approaches, interoperability is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a critical requirement for staying competitive and effective in care delivery.
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