Community of Interoperability Labs: Pragmatic Approach to Achieving Interoperability

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Digital Health
• Health Information Exchange

Background:

• Achieving health data interoperability requires addressing complex socio-technical challenges.
• The Asia eHealth Information Network (AeHIN) recognized the need for structured support for countries facing these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the "Mind the GAPS, Fill the GAPS" framework and the Community of Interoperability Labs (COIL) as solutions for health data interoperability.
• To highlight the role of collaborative networks in overcoming barriers to data exchange.

Main Methods:

• Development of the "Mind the GAPS, Fill the GAPS" framework by AeHIN in 2017.
• Establishment of the Community of Interoperability Labs (COIL) in 2018, comprising labs from six countries.
• Utilizing a networked learning approach within COIL to share knowledge and resources.

Main Results:

• The framework and COIL provide a structured approach to identifying and addressing interoperability challenges.
• COIL facilitates a trustworthy environment for stakeholders to collaborate on common problems.
• Networked learning within COIL enhances the potential for interoperability at national and international levels.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative initiatives like COIL are crucial for advancing health data interoperability.
• The networked learning model effectively promotes knowledge sharing and problem-solving among diverse stakeholders.
• Successful interoperability contributes to improved national and international understanding of health data.