Sociotechnical Analysis of Health Information Exchange Consent Processes in an HIV Clinic

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2016 Nov-Dec;27(6):792-803. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2016.08.001. Epub 2016 Aug 16.

Abstract

Federal regulations have encouraged the electronic sharing of protected health information (PHI). As an opt-in state, New York abides by an affirmative consent model where PHI is electronically shared only after written consent is obtained. The purpose of our study was to describe sociotechnical factors that influence health information exchange (HIE) consent for persons living with HIV (PLWH) at one clinic in New York City. We employed mixed methods to gather perceptions of facilitators and barriers to HIE consent. Study participants included PLWH, staff, and clinicians. The mixed-methods approach revealed multiple interruptions in clinical workflow, staff and providers' time constraints, and lack of dedicated personnel focused on HIE consent as the major barriers to HIE consent. Although there is no one strategy to resolve barriers to HIE consent, having a dedicated person was identified as the most salient factor for facilitating HIE consent.

Keywords: health information exchange; informed consent; persons living with HIV; sociotechnical analysis.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Access to Information
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Confidentiality
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Information Exchange*
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New York
  • New York City
  • Qualitative Research
  • Workflow