That is the conclusion of a new report from The King’s Fund, which dismisses the prevailing view that interoperability is primarily about technology, saying that whilst good technology might be an essential component, on its own, technology is not sufficient for interoperability to succeed.
In the report* The King’s Fund defines interoperability as: “how people, systems and processes talk and work together across organisational structures and professions, supported by technology.”
Furthermore: “A singular focus on technology overlooks the importance of the people using the technology and the environment in which the technology is being used.”
There are three, equally important aspects that are vital for success: good, co-working relationships between staff; technology that makes co-working as easy as possible; and an enabling environment, within which funding, capacity, skills, education and governance are aligned.
The report explores what is needed for interoperability to thrive in an Integrated Care System (ICS) using workshops with staff working within health and care to trial a method for creating a shared space within which trust and relationships can be built, whilst tackling tricky subjects.
Relationships
There is undoubtedly a need to move away from working in silos, fostering greater understanding of staff and leaders towards their colleagues in other departments and/or organisations, and their difficulties, frustrations, pressures and priorities. A good level of understanding is necessary for staff to work together towards a common goal. An ongoing process of building and strengthening relationships and trust is essential.
Technology
Fragmentation of technology is prevalent across the health service and limits the capability of staff across organisations to work together and share information. This fragmentation also leads to inconsistency in data and digital standards, preventing a whole-system approach to interoperability standards. Improvements to how technology functions are therefore essential.
An enabling environment
There are many factors that need to be aligned to create the environment within which interoperability will build and flourish. These include:
• Information governance
• Access to analyst and data science workforce
• Appropriate staff training and skills
• Sufficient capacity for transformation
• Compatible workflows across organisations
• Supportive national policies
• Accessible, long-term funding
• Targets that support improvements in outcomes.
The King’s Fund concludes: “Our research shows changes are needed to the technology and enabling environment to help interoperability progress, but that trusting relationships, which are equally important, are often overlooked.”
The report makes recommendations for leaders and national bodies.
