Medical market research has traditionally concerned itself primarily with clinicians, nurses, patients, pharmacists and medical reps. More recently, though, LDA Research has extended its focus to include an additional professional sector within the healthcare context. It’s one that’s made up of a vast array of roles including IT infrastructure engineers, CIOs and CMIOs. The size of the team involved reflects the growing importance of IT system integration as a key component of health care improvements.
What is IT System Integration?
The NHS is in the process of integrating IT into its primary care practices. This requires complex system integration in order to co-ordinate and share patient information across all applications in the health care sector. Secure use and sharing of Electronic Medical Records (ERM) has the potential to improve cost effectiveness, whilst enhancing the quality of care on offer.
The proven benefits of IT system integration are:
- Complete, accurate information for HCPs, whatever the context.
- Enhanced co-ordination of care, especially where the patients are suffering from complex medical conditions.
- The potential for information sharing between HCPs and family carers.
- Rapid and accurate diagnosis of health conditions.
What Does IT System Integration Research Involve?
As with every IT system, the architecture will only be as good as the knowledge upon which it is built. LDA Research is, therefore, involved in developing that knowledge via its database of specialist IT respondents in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. There are 4 distinct, but intersecting areas of research:
- Data Privacy. Given the sensitivity of the ERM data, the input of CIOs (Chief Information Officers) and CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) is critical. Together they are responsible for the security of patients’ data, efficient adoption of new systems, and the perception of IT within the NHS culture.
- Network Infrastructure Engineers. Knowledge of how the current NHS IT infrastructure works is held by the engineers who support and maintain them. They know where systems are working, where there are challenges, and which technologies are currently being adopted, or not, within the healthcare environment.
- IT Users in NHS. This is a broad grouping which includes receptionists, clinicians, nurses, consultants and executives. The functions of IT will range from booking systems, to records updates, to smart technology being implemented on wards.
- Ambulatory Care. IT integration has huge potential benefit in this area. Ambulatory care offers same day emergency care for patients. The aim of this model is to streamline clinical processes, in order to reduce admissions and improve patient flow.
The HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM)
The integration of a hospital IT system is a complex process and it cannot be achieved overnight. The EMRAM model offers both a roadmap which hospitals can follow, and a maturity model whereby hospitals can measure their progress against global counterparts. It comprises an eight-stage (0-7) model which measures the adoption and utilisation of electronic medical record (EMR) functions, with the ultimate goal being a paperless environment.
About LDA Research
LDA Research is a qualitative medical market research provider. Founded a decade ago by Lucy Doorbar, we specialise in providing global intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry and medical device sector. We have dedicated healthcare panels in the UK and US, as well as a network of international associates. The LDA Research team is committed to being the eyes and ears of our clients wherever they need us to be and whatever they need to know.
