Which is a major benefit of interoperable health information systems?

One major benefit of interoperable health information systems is efficient data sharing. Interoperability allows different health information systems to communicate and exchange data seamlessly, enabling healthcare providers and organizations to access and share patient information across various platforms. This efficiency leads to a more coordinated approach to patient care, reduces the likelihood of errors caused by miscommunication, and enhances decision-making processes.

When health information systems are interoperable, healthcare professionals can retrieve comprehensive patient records without unnecessary delays, which ultimately improves the quality of care and patient outcomes. Efficient data sharing also supports better population health management and facilitates research and analytics efforts, allowing for valuable insights into healthcare trends and practices.

In contrast, other options do not directly capture the essence of interoperability. While improved data security is essential, interoperability focuses more on the ability to share data across systems. Expanded data formats may enhance system compatibility, but they do not inherently promote sharing efficiencies. Increased manual data entry is counterproductive to the goals of interoperability, which aims to minimize redundancy and streamline processes.