Determinants Affecting the Health Information Sharing Management and Practice for Patient Referral in Thailand: The Perceptions of Patients and Healthcare Professionals.

Abstract

Despite the cooperative sharing of health information exchange (HIE), various distinct limitations and barriers are found (i.e., substantial time and resources are being used to achieve health information). This paper investigates the limits of healthcare information sharing policy implementation for patient referral systems in Thailand. Mixed-methods research methodology, both quantitative and qualitative mechanisms, are conducted. The study results present the correlation between the current HIE among the hospitals in patient referral systems and the limitations of implementing the HIE policy, composed of technical, economic, political, and legal barriers. The statistical test reveals that these four main barriers could limit information sharing or impede Thailand's standard healthcare information-sharing policy and practice development. Predominantly, it is further found that there is no standard for data collection and data archiving systems; unclear guidelines, practices, and procedures; and a lack of standard practice due to fragmented administration. Foremost of all, the data ownership of any competent authorities or related regulators could cause any constraints in information sharing (e.g., complexity and processing time). This paper's findings will be beneficial to stakeholders, such as policymakers interested in achieving meaningful use, facilitating the adoption and implementation of HIE at a national level to ensure patients' safety and enhance healthcare quality.