Computers do not just need a common language to communicate with each other. Their conversations also need to be secure when they transfer medical data for example. Yet there are still many different systems by various providers in the health care system that are not able to properly communicate with each other. The solution is called interoperability.
n this interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, Andreas Grode explains interoperability, how it can benefit the health care sector and patient care and how it can be implemented in Germany and the European Union.
Mr. Grode, the term 'interoperability' is currently all over the media. What does this term actually mean?
Andreas Grode: Interoperability is the ability of different systems, devices and programs to work together to efficiently exchange information. There are many levels to be considered in health care settings when it comes to electronic data exchange for interoperability to actually work. All stakeholders need an identification for authorized data access for example. The identification mechanisms and role assignments need to harmonize. Data transmission has to occur based on the same standards and in a confidential and unaltered manner. In addition, all contents need to be structured and if need be even encoded in an interoperable manner to where misinterpretations are impossible; legal and contractual principles are also added to this. ...
Read the complete interview at MEDICA-tradefair.com!