The Flow of Healthcare Information in Rural and Remote Settings: A Qualitative Approach

ABSTRACT Rationale Connected healthcare delivery ensures that the right healthcare information is exchanged with the right healthcare workers, at the right time. Due to the vast distances and dispersed workforce, achieving connected healthcare across rural and remote settings remains a global challenge. Workforce perspectives may help understand how digital transformation can contribute to consumer‐centered healthcare information flow. Aims and Objectives To answer the research question: how consumer‐centered is the healthcare information flow across rural and remote health services? Method A qualitative study was conducted involving semi‐structured interviews with staff ( n = 57) from rural and remote healthcare systems ( n = 6). Transcripts were analyzed to elicit the current state of information exchange between and within health services and associated themes. The findings were evaluated with a subject matter expert and member checking. Results The mode of healthcare information flow was largely paper‐based, however frequent use of hybrid (paper and digital records) and digital Clinical Information Systems (CISs) was evident. Transferability of healthcare information could be improved as some systems lack sufficient communication with CISs in other health service types. Resourcing and workforce capabilities were identified to limit transparency of healthcare information. Provided adequate support was available, the rural and remote healthcare workforce support digital transformation and encourage the expansion of digital CISs. Conclusion Digital transformation and better integration of CISs can enable a healthcare information journey that is consumer‐centered, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient exchange of information. Specific recommendations include the expansion of digital health information exchange applications, enhancing local digital infrastructure support, and building a digitally skilled workforce.