Interoperability in the Service of Qualifying Health Care and Managing the Healthcare System: The Case of a Brazilian Digital Platform
摘要
Interoperability in health care denotes the capacity of diverse healthcare systems, devices, applications, and software to exchange, interpret, and utilize patient information in a seamless manner. This capability is essential for facilitating effective data sharing and communication among healthcare providers, patients, and other relevant stakeholders. Achieving interoperability requires the establishment of efficient ecosystems in which multiple systems collaborate harmoniously. This chapter will outline key steps involved in constructing interoperability and such an ecosystem. In addition, we will explain the case of a Brazilian digital platform as a practical example. The Electronic Health Platform (iPES) is a Brazilian healthcare interoperability solution, the result of an innovative public–private partnership. Developed in 2019, it combines data security, advanced technological standards, and a collaborative approach to integrate healthcare information across public and private systems. Initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, iPES demonstrated its scalability, notably in Recife, where the “Minha Saúde Conectada” program integrated over 10 systems, enabling fast, secure access to clinical records and improving care continuity. However, for the sustainable advancement of iPES and interoperability in Brazil, it is necessary to produce governance (and effective ecosystem), the result of interfederative agreements and consensus-building, that acts in an inclusive and flexible manner in the effort to integrate municipal, regional, national, and international initiatives. This will enhance the health system’s ability to support clinical decisions, innovate care models, and drive advancements in science and technology, ultimately improving care quality and system efficiency.