ONC updates interoperability standards to address diversity
August 2021—The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology released last month the United States Core Data for Interoperability version two, or USCDI v2, a standardized set of health data classes and constituent data elements for nationwide, interoperable health information exchange.
Version two provides health information technology stakeholders with clearer direction on such data elements as standardized, electronic exchange of social determinants of health, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It lays the foundation for providers to start systemizing the capture and use of such data in the clinical setting. However, the update does not require health care professionals to record this data or individuals to share such information.
“USCDI version two builds on the feedback we received from a wide variety of stakeholders,” said Micky Tripathi, PhD, ONC national coordinator for health information technology, in a Health and Human Services press release. “We heard that this new version of the USCDI should reflect America’s diversity and include data elements like sexual orientation, gender identity, and social determinants of health while helping to address disparities in health outcomes for minoritized, marginalized, and underrepresented individuals and communities.”
Many health care entities have not developed systems to collect structured sexual orientation and gender identity data from patients, the ONC reported. And without this data, medical facilities may have difficulty identifying and addressing specific health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients.
Industry stakeholders submitted hundreds of recommendations for data classes and elements as part of the USCDI v2 development cycle, which led to the release of three new data classes and 22 new data elements via version two. USCDI v2 is available for consideration as part of the ONC’s standards version advancement process, slated to take place this fall. The process allows health information technology developers to update their certified health IT to support newer versions of the USCDI, among other standards, and provide those updates to medical professionals and hospitals before they are required under federal regulations.
The release of USCDI v2 will also lead standards development organizations to update implementation guides and other technical requirements to come into alignment with the new data elements in version two, according to the ONC.
Arkstone aims to boost infection control with molecular reports
The Arkstone OneChoice report interprets molecular diagnostic test results and provides a course of action for clinicians treating infections. The report, which is presented with microbiology lab results, lists the optimal treatment regimen for an infection and recommends avoiding antibiotic treatment in certain situations.
Employing artificial intelligence, the OneChoice decision engine provides a variety of information, such as details about antibiotic dosing, duration, and route, as well as clinically relevant recommendations, including guidance on infection control.
OneChoice uses machine learning and advanced algorithms to take into account such factors as the type and combination of organisms and resistance genes detected, patient age, gender, and allergies when determining the most appropriate therapy.
Proprietary ArkScores, based on a scale of one to seven, are displayed in each report to indicate the difficulty of treating an infection, impact of resistance, and risks related to the use of specific antimicrobials.
Arkstone Medical, 833-933-2753
Latest PIER update enhances informatics curriculum
The pathology organizations behind Pathology Informatics Essentials for Residents, or PIER, recently introduced release 4 of the research-based instructional resource for providing informatics training to pathology residents.
PIER curriculum updates in release 4 involve the following:
- Revising topics and outcome statements to better match the knowledge and skill level expectations for residents upon completion of training.
- Elevating select outcome statements to a high priority and connecting them with practical exercises so residents can practice applying these key concepts that are vital to pathology practice.
- Reducing the number of recommended resources per topic to make it easier for program directors and other faculty to plan training using the most effective options.
- Restructuring practical exercises using a consistent format and recategorizing exercises into four types—hands-on application, research topic, case study, and thought-provoking question.
- Relocating practical exercises and advanced learning options to separate appendices in each toolkit and adding hyperlinks to easily move back and forth between sections of each toolkit.
- Integrating three tools—for planning, monitoring progress, and checking off completion—into the single PIER map and resident assessment tool.
PIER provides pathology program directors and other faculty with informatics training topics, implementation strategies and tools, recommended resources, and exercises to educate residents and help them meet Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education informatics milestone requirements. PIER was developed by the College of American Pathologists, Association of Pathology Chairs, and Association for Pathology Informatics. Additional information is available at www.apcprods.org/pier.
Epredia to distribute AI-based pathology software from Aiforia
The precision cancer diagnostics company Epredia has entered an agreement with Aiforia under which it will serve as a global distribution partner for Aiforia’s portfolio of artificial intelligence-based pathology software.
Under terms of the agreement, Epredia will add to its digital pathology portfolio, which includes the CE-marked 3DHistech P1000 whole slide imaging scanner, Aiforia’s AI-powered, cloud-based software for high-precision image analysis in clinical diagnostics and preclinical research.
“We are pleased to be adding the Aiforia offering to our portfolio of digital pathology solutions, which now includes cutting-edge AI software from the largest players in the field bundled with our portfolio of best-in-class whole slide imaging scanners developed by 3DHistech,” said Epredia president John Sweeney, in a company press release. “The product development expertise of Aiforia that has gone into these solutions ideally complements our global commercial reach and will enable us to bring their solutions to more pathologists across the world.”
Aiforia’s health care-focused software is used in more than 50 countries.
Epredia, 800-522-7270
Health care companies partner to create blockchain business
Several health care companies joined forces to develop the new blockchain firm Avaneer Health, which is focused on using blockchain to increase health care transparency, interoperability, and security and reduce administrative costs.
Avaneer Health, which operates as a standalone business based in Chicago, grew out of the Health Utility Network, a consortium of companies serving the health care industry. It was launched with investments from Cleveland Clinic, Aetna, Anthem, IBM, Health Care Service Corp., Sentara Healthcare, and PNC Financial Services Group.
“Avaneer Health is a member-based, secure, and open network supporting utilities developed for and by the health care industry,” according to a company press release. It uses blockchain technology to ensure privacy and reduce the costs of data exchange.
Dr. Aller practices clinical informatics in Southern California. He can be reached at raller@usc.edu. Dennis Winsten is founder of Dennis Winsten & Associates, Healthcare Systems Consultants. He can be reached at dwinsten.az@gmail.com.