EMRs and Interoperable EP Systems

by Fred Kusomoto, MD, FHRS

This post was published on EP Insights, the Heart Rhythm Society's blog,
on April 2, 2010

I would like to highlight an important project and task force that is being supported by Heart Rhythm Society (HRS): defining standards to improve device workflow efficiencies.

One potential advantage of an electronic medical record (EMR) is accurate dissemination of critical information to the appropriate caregivers. The widespread use of implanted devices for heart rhythm disorder management and use of physiologic and remote monitoring devices make it even more critical to be able to follow the flow of information.

To improve workflow efficiencies, electrophysiology and cardiology practices require the management of “key” summary implantable rhythm control device interrogation information in a centralized location such as an electronic health record system (EHR) or a device clinic management system. But, following patients with implantable devices from multiple vendors and/or integrating a vendor’s proprietary data seamlessly into these systems, is a difficult task.

To address this issue, the implantable cardiac device vendors, in collaboration with an HRS physician task force, have been working with several standards development organizations to define standards to improve device workflow efficiencies. The first standard generated from this partnership is being developed to support the management of information from implantable cardiac device interrogations to the EMRs and device clinic management systems. This standard was tested at the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise(IHE) Connectathon held this past January in Chicago. It was also presented at the IHE showcase booth in March at the annual HIMSS Healthcare IT Convention.

To continue momentum in this area, a task force chaired by Mike Mirro, MD has recently been formed by the Society to help lead future designs on interoperable EP systems and to respond to the Health IT mandates that are on our horizon. It is important to note that these designs will cover many aspects of electrophysiology. We hope to continue our EP- led development in the months and years ahead.—stay tuned for more information!

What are your thoughts on this new initiative? How do you think this might have an affect on the quality of EMRs and heart rhythm disorder management?

View this posting on EP Insights»