Table of Contents
- Summary of the Article
- The Interoperability Challenge
- Understanding the Provider Perspective
- Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Healthcare
- The Role of Telehealth in Connected Care
- Patient Benefits of Improved Integration
- The Dr Telx Approach to Connected Health
- Conclusion
Summary of the Article
A recent article published by Healthcare IT News titled “Connected health needs more provider collaboration for better data integration” highlights a critical gap in healthcare technology adoption. Based on research from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, the article reveals that while health systems have made progress with interoperability among medical devices and electronic health records, providers have been slower to adopt these technologies than expected. The research suggests that closer collaboration between medical device companies, providers, and health IT vendors could increase the adoption of connected care technologies and ultimately improve patient outcomes. You can read the full article here.
The Interoperability Challenge
At Dr Telx, we see firsthand how interoperability challenges impact patient care. The Deloitte study confirms what we’ve observed in our daily operations: 92% of provider IT leaders report that integrating connected devices into existing data systems is moderately to extremely complex.
This isn’t just a technical issue. When medical devices can’t communicate effectively with each other or with electronic health records, it creates significant barriers to providing seamless care. Clinicians waste valuable time toggling between systems rather than focusing on patients.
The result is a fragmented care experience that frustrates providers and patients alike. As telewellness practitioners, we understand that technology should enhance, not hinder, the provider-patient relationship.
Understanding the Provider Perspective
The research reveals a notable misalignment between what medical device companies perceive as barriers and what healthcare providers actually experience. While 45% of tech executives cite lack of interoperability with EHRs as the main challenge, providers identify demonstrating end-user value (32%), integration with existing workflows (29%), and budget constraints (27%) as their primary concerns.
This misalignment explains much of the slow adoption. At Dr Telx, we’ve learned that successful technology implementation requires a deep understanding of clinical workflows. Technology that doesn’t demonstrably improve the provider experience or patient outcomes simply won’t be embraced, regardless of its technical capabilities.
The value proposition must be clear and immediate for both providers and patients. Otherwise, even the most sophisticated connected health technologies will gather dust.
Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Healthcare
We strongly support Deloitte’s recommendation for medical device companies to work more closely with providers and patients. Real-world evidence of clinical and operational benefits is essential for driving adoption.
In our telewellness practice, we’ve found that solutions developed with direct provider input gain faster acceptance. When clinicians feel their needs and pain points have been addressed, they become champions rather than reluctant users of new technology.
This collaborative approach also helps address another key finding in the research: the need for robust security architectures. As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, ensuring patient data remains protected while still accessible to authorized providers is paramount.
The Role of Telehealth in Connected Care
The article mentions how IoT devices have expanded telehealth’s potential by advancing remote patient monitoring and hospital-at-home initiatives. We’ve witnessed this evolution firsthand at Dr Telx, where connected devices have transformed our ability to monitor patients remotely.
However, we also recognize the integration challenges highlighted in the article. When data from remote monitoring devices doesn’t flow seamlessly into clinical systems, the potential of these technologies is severely limited.
Telehealth providers like Dr Telx sit at the intersection of technology and healthcare delivery. We have a unique perspective on how these systems can work together to improve care, and we believe we have a responsibility to advocate for better integration.
Patient Benefits of Improved Integration
Ultimately, the goal of connected health is to improve patient outcomes. When systems work together seamlessly, patients receive more coordinated care, clinicians make more informed decisions, and healthcare organizations operate more efficiently.
At Dr Telx, we’ve seen how properly integrated remote monitoring can reduce unnecessary in-person visits and help patients better manage chronic conditions. Patients appreciate the convenience and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their healthcare team has access to comprehensive, up-to-date information.
However, we’ve also witnessed the frustration patients experience when their data doesn’t transfer between providers or systems. This reinforces the article’s point about the need for better collaboration to address these integration challenges.
The Dr Telx Approach to Connected Health
Our approach at Dr Telx has been to focus on practical solutions that address the specific pain points identified in the Deloitte research. We prioritize technologies that demonstrate clear end-user value and integrate smoothly with existing workflows.
We’ve found success by starting with small, focused implementations that solve specific problems, then scaling up as we demonstrate value. This incremental approach helps overcome budget constraints while building confidence in connected health technologies.
We also work closely with technology partners who understand healthcare workflows and are willing to customize their solutions to meet our specific needs. This collaborative approach has helped us avoid many of the integration challenges highlighted in the article.
By maintaining our focus on improving the patient experience, we ensure that technology serves its ultimate purpose: better care for those who need it.
Conclusion
The Deloitte research confirms what many healthcare providers already know: the promise of connected health requires better collaboration between technology companies and healthcare providers. At Dr Telx, we remain committed to bridging this gap by advocating for solutions that truly address provider needs and improve patient outcomes.
We believe telehealth providers have a unique role to play in advancing connected health adoption. By demonstrating the real-world benefits of well-integrated systems in our practice, we hope to contribute to the broader movement toward truly connected healthcare.
The future of healthcare depends on our ability to harness technology in service of more personalized, accessible, and effective care. By working together—providers, technology companies, and patients—we can overcome the current challenges and realize the full potential of connected health.