What does 'interoperability' refer to in healthcare information systems?

Interoperability in healthcare information systems refers to the capacity of different IT systems to exchange data seamlessly. This concept is crucial in healthcare as it enhances communication among various entities, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and billing institutions. When systems are interoperable, they can interpret and make use of data exchanged, regardless of the software or hardware in use.

This capability leads to improved patient care, as healthcare providers can access and share vital patient information quickly and accurately, ensuring that treatment decisions are informed by comprehensive data. For example, if a patient is treated in multiple healthcare settings, interoperability allows their medical records, lab results, and prescription history to be accessible across these systems, leading to more coordinated and efficient care.

In contrast to this correct response, the other options focus on aspects like restricting data access or limiting interoperability to specific functions, which do not capture the essence of the concept as it pertains to the healthcare landscape.