Data and Interoperability: Health Informatics in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Short Course for Health Information System Professionals Data and Interoperability: Case Study: Indian Health Information Network

Indian Health Information Network Proposal Objectives Macro benefits Challenges Recommendations External influences, specifically India’s federal government, are having a major influence on the adoption and implementation of electronic health records and health information exchange. The national agenda for HIT is twofold: increase adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and build a framework that enables these EHRs to be sharable and interoperable. The Nationwide Health Information Network or NwHIN, is part of this national agenda. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, “The Nationwide Health Information Network is the set of standards, services and policies that enable the secure exchange of health information over the Internet” (ONC, 2011, para. 1) Think of the Nationwide Health Information Network as a collection of standards, protocols, legal agreements, specifications and services overseen by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to support the secure exchange of health information over the Internet. The NwHIN has been referred to as a "Health Internet," which is intended to involve consumers, providers, government organizations, and others in its fabric.

Indian Health Information Network Objectives The recommendations made in this proposal are aimed to establish information, communication, and technology (ICT) infrastructure and services in India, covering all aspects of healthcare. Objectives are as follows: To facilitate the creation and management of a comprehensive knowledge database To use the knowledge database to improve the quality of day-to-day healthcare services and help enhance the quality of research work To set up ICT-based systems at various levels, in a phased manner, in all public and private institutions engaged in healthcare services To develop interoperable health management systems through the use of appropriate technologies, which may also necessitate the use of open technologies and standards in some cases To collaborate with international institutions to integrate Indian initiatives with global developments Most of these objectives should be achieved during the XIth plan period.

Indian Health Information Network Macro Benefits Knowledge dissemination and public health Healthcare planning Natural disasters Bioterrorism Healthcare finance and future technology Drug surveillance Fraud and abuse prevention Medical errors

Indian Health Information Network Challenges Leadership Standards Connectivity Privacy and security User needs ICT and domain knowledge Funding

Indian Health Information Network Recommendations Facilitate ICT penetration in medical and healthcare services Networking of institutions Creation of comprehensive knowledge base of medical research Linkages with international organizations Medical informatics to be part of medical and paramedical curriculum Development of electronic health records Develop econometric models Institutional framework Financial support Legal promotional framework