Volume 31, Issue 2 (Spring 2025)
Intern Med Today 2025, 31(2): 0-0 |
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dalili Shoaei M, Dorri S, Jangi M. Methods and Techniques of Health Information Exchanges(HIE): A Systematic Review. Intern Med Today 2025; 31 (2)
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4156-en.html
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4156-en.html
1- M.Sc. Student of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2- School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3- School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ,jangim@mng.mui.ac.ir
2- School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3- School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ,
Abstract: (4 Views)
Introduction: Health Information Exchange (HIE) plays a crucial role in improving, healthcare quality, reducing costs, and enhancing system efficacy. Despite these benefits, multiple challenges have limited its widespread adoption. The present review aims to examine the various methods used for health data exchange.
Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant articles were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed using HIE-related keywords. The search was conducted on March 25, 2025, covering articles published between 2000 and the end of 2024. Of the 738 records initially identified, 29 articles were included in the final analysis after duplicate removal and screening. Data were extracted on HIE systems types, technologies used, system architectures, advantages, and challenges, and were analyzed and reports descriptively.
Results: The findings indicated that HIE systems are designed and implemented at three levels: regional, national, and decentralized. Approximately 38% of the included studies focused on national systems, while 31% addressed regional implementations. Traditional technologies such as Health Level Seven (HL7) (used in more than 9 articles, representing over 30% of reviewed studies) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) (approximately 3 articles) are used alongside emerging technologies including blockchain (approximately 3 articles) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Centralized, decentralized, and hybrid data exchange architectures were identified, each with specific strengths and limitations. The major benefits of HIE included improved care coordination, reduced medical errors, and financial savings, whereas key challenges involved interoperability issues, security concerns, and financial sustainability.
Conclusion: Health Information Exchange systems, supported by diverse methods and techniques, from centralized HL7/FHIR-based architectures to decentralized blockchain frameworks, hold significant potential to improve information sharing in healthcare systems. However, this potential can only be realized through standardization, strengthened technical infrastructure, and supportive policymaking. Emerging technologies such as blockchain can enhance security and transparency, although their adoption depends on sufficient investment and workforce training.
Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant articles were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed using HIE-related keywords. The search was conducted on March 25, 2025, covering articles published between 2000 and the end of 2024. Of the 738 records initially identified, 29 articles were included in the final analysis after duplicate removal and screening. Data were extracted on HIE systems types, technologies used, system architectures, advantages, and challenges, and were analyzed and reports descriptively.
Results: The findings indicated that HIE systems are designed and implemented at three levels: regional, national, and decentralized. Approximately 38% of the included studies focused on national systems, while 31% addressed regional implementations. Traditional technologies such as Health Level Seven (HL7) (used in more than 9 articles, representing over 30% of reviewed studies) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) (approximately 3 articles) are used alongside emerging technologies including blockchain (approximately 3 articles) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Centralized, decentralized, and hybrid data exchange architectures were identified, each with specific strengths and limitations. The major benefits of HIE included improved care coordination, reduced medical errors, and financial savings, whereas key challenges involved interoperability issues, security concerns, and financial sustainability.
Conclusion: Health Information Exchange systems, supported by diverse methods and techniques, from centralized HL7/FHIR-based architectures to decentralized blockchain frameworks, hold significant potential to improve information sharing in healthcare systems. However, this potential can only be realized through standardization, strengthened technical infrastructure, and supportive policymaking. Emerging technologies such as blockchain can enhance security and transparency, although their adoption depends on sufficient investment and workforce training.
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Basic Medical Science
Received: 2025/07/18 | Accepted: 2025/09/7 | Published: 2025/03/20
Received: 2025/07/18 | Accepted: 2025/09/7 | Published: 2025/03/20
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