Strategic Policies for Interoperability of Electronic Healthcare Records

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information technology (HIT) is foundational to building a more integrated, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system. Despite significant investments and advancements, the U.S. healthcare system continues to face critical barriers to EHR interoperability. The purpose of this study was to identify the primary policy barriers hindering interoperability and propose actionable modifications to address these challenges. This research employed a qualitative meta-synthesis, complemented by a scoping literature review, to explore the policy landscape shaping EHR interoperability. The data were systematically organized and analyzed using NVivo® 12 software provided by Purdue University. Manual annotations provided critical context to qualitative findings. Two key themes emerged: (a) policy perspectives and (b) economic challenges. Recommendations included adaptive policy enforcement mechanisms, sustained and equitable financial support, and targeted leadership development initiatives. These strategies hold the potential to inform ongoing effortcreating a more integrated and efficient healthcare system.