By: Djowin Schippers, Ton Spil, Robert Stegwee, Erwin Folmers and Shawn Donnelly
In: Proceedings of the 58th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
Please access the conference paper online (open access) 
Abstract: The International Patient Summary (IPS) is a set of basic clinical data that includes the most important health and care-related facts about a patient, enabling safe and secure healthcare. This summarized version of the patient’s clinical data gives health professionals the relevant information they need to provide care when there is an unexpected or unscheduled medical situation. Currently, there is insufficient information regarding the practical value of the IPS and its potential for improvement. This study explored the potential and value of the IPS to improve healthcare delivery. Moreover, the aim was to discover how the current value of the IPS can be further improved. Through a combined approach of literature review and interviews with healthcare professionals, the research investigated the clinical relevance and value, facilitators, and barriers to IPS adoption. With the combined results of these data collections, this study explores strategies and actions for successful implementation and fostering worldwide adoption. The USE IT qualitative model shows to be a good addition to the well known quantitative methods of adoption. The findings highlight the significant clinical value of the IPS. Literature shows enhanced care quality, improved communication, and reduced healthcare costs. Interviews identify improved quality of care, more efficient access to relevant data, and enhancement of patient safety by ensuring healthcare providers have access to crucial patient information. However, challenges such as data security, technical limitations, and implementation costs hinder widespread use. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing these barriers to maximize the IPS’s potential. Key strategies include ensuring data privacy, fostering interoperability between electronic health records, and actively involving clinicians in the implementation process. Additionally, establishing clear governance structures and promoting awareness will be crucial for broader adoption. Overall, the study validates the IPS’s value proposition and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing its practical implementation. This involves utilizing the existing value of the IPS, while taking into account the identified facilitators and barriers, and focusing on the necessary actions to boost its adoption. Further research is recommended to deepen the understanding of IPS implementation factors and their practical effects on healthcare. By overcoming existing barriers and fostering collaboration, the IPS has the potential to become an important and standard-used tool in global healthcare.
See also Exploring the clinical value of the International Patient Summary – a systematic review for previous research and a link to the full thesis on the topic by Djowin Schippers.