What commonly hinders effective data sharing in healthcare?

Lack of standardized data formats is a significant barrier to effective data sharing in healthcare. When healthcare organizations utilize different data formats, it creates difficulties in communication and interoperability. Each system may store data in unique ways, which can lead to inconsistencies and misunderstanding when trying to exchange patient information across different platforms. Standardizing data formats ensures that data can be easily shared, integrated, and understood between various electronic health records (EHRs), resulting in improved coordination of care and patient outcomes.

While proprietary patient care models and high costs of EHR systems do pose challenges to healthcare data sharing, they primarily affect the infrastructure and decision-making processes rather than the ability to exchange and interpret data. A surplus of healthcare providers might contribute to administrative challenges but does not directly impact the technical aspects of data sharing.