“States should focus their policy and funding efforts on integrating the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) into hospital EHRs that securely store patient information…
The scope of this integration inefficiency is best understood in the state of Indiana where they successfully integrated their EHR and PDMP systems. In Indiana, 58% of prescribers reduced their number of prescriptions and quantity of pills after the integration occurred [4].
This solution is not a panacea but could be a part of a multi-pronged effort developed to fight this problem. It’s about time we start using the technology that already works and exists to fight this epidemic.”
Interesting article by Joshua Elder and Gail D’onofrio in The Health Care Blog, and really emphasizes the importance of connecting all patient data to improve care.
The PDMP challenge is not unique, the same could be said for most HIE organizations that only allow access through a web portal that exists separately from the EHR. HIE portals, much like the PDMP portals, exist as standalone databases that do not “pass” the data to those who need it so they can incorporate the information into the EHR systems. This is a perfect example of the “siloed” manner of health data in the U.S.
What healthcare providers need is the data — not merely a window to view the data. Millions of dollars have been invested in health technology designed to improve care through data. It’s time providers are able to use them as designed.
Read the full article at: thehealthcareblog.com
