Interoperability Important for Better Outcomes: ASCO to Congress

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) held a briefing today on Capitol Hill urging Congress to pay more attention to addressing the problems with big data and interoperability of electronic health records.

"The treatment of cancer is complex, often requiring coordination of care and the exchange of detailed clinical information among multiple health care providers using different health information systems," said ASCO President Julie M. Vose, MD, MBA, FASCO, in a press release. "Widespread interoperability for sharing electronic health information is not just a matter of efficiency, but critical for optimal cancer care. It is essential to help patients and physicians navigate the complex continuum from diagnosis through treatment and beyond."

In a position statment released during the briefing, ASCO has outlined recommendations that can help overcome existing barriers.

Read more here.