Enhancing interoperability among health information systems in low- and middle- income countries: a review of challenges and strategies

TL;DR

This review identifies key challenges and proposes strategies to improve interoperability among health information systems in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery despite resource limitations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive synthesis of challenges and strategies for health information system interoperability in LMICs, highlighting standardisation and infrastructure investment as key solutions.

Findings

Fragmented systems hinder data sharing

Standardisation of data formats is crucial

Capacity building improves system integration

Abstract

The review article aims to provide an overview of the challenges and strategies for enhancing interoperability among health information systems in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). Achieving interoperability in LMICs presents unique challenges due to various factors, such as limited resources, fragmented health information systems, and diverse health IT infrastructure. The methodology involves conducting a comprehensive literature review, synthesising findings, identifying challenges and strategies, analysing and interpreting results, and writing and finalising the article. The article highlights that the interoperability challenges include a lack of standardisation, fragmented systems, limited resources, and data privacy concerns. The article proposes strategies to enhance interoperability in LMICs, such as standardisation of data formats and protocols, consolidation of health information systems, investment in health IT infrastructure, and capacity building of health IT professionals in LMICs. The article aims to provide insights into the current state and potential strategies for enhancing interoperability among health information systems in LMICs, intending to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in these KEYWORDS Interoperability, Health information systems, low and middle-income countries (LMICs), challenges, strategies, standardisation