Approaches for overcoming barriers to cross-sector data sharing

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Public Health Partnerships
• Community-Based Interventions

Background:

• The Mid-Ohio Farmacy (MOF) is a produce referral program developed through a partnership between the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (a community-based organization) and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (an academic medical center).
• Understanding the factors influencing data sharing is crucial for the sustainability of such cross-sector collaborations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the factors influencing the development and sustainability of data sharing within the Mid-Ohio Farmacy program.
• To identify challenges and solutions related to cross-sector data sharing between a community-based organization and an academic medical center.

Main Methods:

• An in-depth case study approach was employed.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with representatives from both partner organizations (May-September 2020).
• Participants included administrators, project champions, clinical providers, and food pantry representatives (n=31 total).
• Interview transcripts were analyzed using a deductive approach guided by a logic model.

Main Results:

• Key challenges in cross-sector data sharing emerged in three themes: data sharing regulations, data exchange capabilities, and cross-sector data integration.
• Creative workarounds were necessary, such as establishing a unique, partnership-specific patient identifier to link patients across organizations.
• This unique identifier was integrated into the health system's electronic health record to ensure continuity of care.

Conclusions:

• Current regulatory frameworks may not adequately support the growing interest in cross-sector partnerships between healthcare and community-based organizations.
• Future efforts should focus on clarifying data sharing rules and increasing Medicaid support for nonmedical, health-related social needs.
• These improvements are essential for fostering sustainable collaborations that address social determinants of health.