The Pan American Health Organization issued a new resolution because it recognizes that the secure, effective and timely transmission of personal data or population data across information systems requires adherence to standards on health data and related technology.
As part of the 66. Third World Health Assembly, the PAHO issued that it is essential to make appropriate use of information and communication technologies in order to improve care, to increase the level of engagement of patients in their own care, as appropriate, to offer quality health services, to support sustainable financing of health-care systems, and to promote universal access.
PAHO also understands that the lack of a seamless exchange of data within and between health information systems hinders care and leads to fragmentation of health information systems, and that improvement in this is essential to realize the full potential of information and communication technologies in health system strengthening.
Promote interoperability and other recommendations
The resolution´s emphasis is on interoperability. PAHO considers that the whole health chain can benefit: health workers can gain access to fuller and more accurate information in electronic form on patients at the point of care; pharmacies can receive prescriptions electronically; laboratories can transmit test results electronically; imaging and diagnostic centres have access to high-quality digital images; researchers can carry out clinical trials and analyse data with greater speed and accuracy; public health authorities have access to electronic reports on vital events in a timely manner, and can implement public health measures based on the analysis of health data; and individuals can gain access to their personal medical information, which supports patient empowerment.
Also, the resolution urges Member States to:
1. Consider developing, as appropriate, policies and legislative mechanisms linked to an overall national eHealth strategy, in order to ensure compliance in the adoption of health data standards by the public and private sectors, as appropriate, and the donor community, as well as to ensure the privacy of personal clinical data.
2. Provide guidance and technical support, as appropriate, to facilitate the coherent and reproducible evaluation of information and communication technologies in health interventions, including a database of measurable impacts and outcome indicators.
3. Promote, in collaboration with relevant international standardization agencies, harmonization of eHealth standards.
To read the full resolution click here.
