What does 'system integration' refer to in digital healthcare?

In digital healthcare, 'system integration' refers to the ability to connect and operate multiple digital systems together. This is crucial because various healthcare functions—such as electronic health records (EHR), laboratory information systems, and imaging systems—need to communicate effectively to provide cohesive patient care. Integration allows these disparate systems to share data seamlessly, which enhances the overall efficiency, accuracy, and quality of healthcare delivery. By enabling interoperability, healthcare providers can access comprehensive patient information, facilitate better clinical decision-making, and improve operational workflows.

While standalone systems can operate independently, they do not provide the collaborative benefits that integration offers. The elimination of outdated systems is necessary for keeping technology up to date, but it doesn't define integration itself. Simplification of complex technologies can be a part of system integration, but it is not the primary focus. Hence, the essence of system integration lies in enabling various systems to work together harmoniously in a digital healthcare environment.