Extent of Digital Health Fragmentation and Potential Implications for Antimicrobial Prescribing: Rapid Evidence Review - Report - MDSpire
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Assessing the Degree of Fragmentation in Digital Health and Its Potential Effects on Antimicrobial Prescribing: A Rapid Evidence Review

  • By

  • Verena Schneider

  • Akish Luintel

  • Bethan Balch

  • Shivani Gangadia

  • Grainne Brady

  • Emma McGuire

  • Gwenan M Knight

  • Laura Shallcross

  • Steve Harris

  • Cecilia Vindrola-Padros

  • October 6, 2026

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Clinical Report: Assessing the Degree of Fragmentation in Digital Health

Overview

This rapid evidence review highlights the prevalence of digital health fragmentation in the UK.

Background

Digital health fragmentation poses challenges to patient care, particularly in the context of antimicrobial prescribing. Incomplete access to patient information can lead to inappropriate antibiotic use.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data or trial results were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • 25% of patients in the UK were treated by more than one NHS trust during 2017/2018.
  • 9.1% of clinical encounters involved different electronic health record systems.
  • Digital health fragmentation can hinder access to patient information.
  • Inappropriate antibiotic selection may result from incomplete patient records.
  • Interoperability is linked to medication safety and data accuracy.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers must focus on interoperability and access to patient records.

Conclusion

Addressing digital health fragmentation is necessary for effective antimicrobial prescribing.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Warren L, Clarke J, Darzi A, Health Serv Res, 2020 -- Measuring the scale of hospital health record system fragmentation in England
  2. Baltas I, et al., J Antimicrob Chemother, 2021 -- Impact of antibiotic timing on mortality from gram-negative bacteraemia
  3. Bauer KA, et al., Curr Opin Infect Dis, 2019 -- Antibiotics and adverse events: the role of antimicrobial stewardship programs
  4. Rawson TM, et al., Nat Rev Microbiol, 2021 -- Optimizing antimicrobial use: challenges, advances and opportunities
  5. World Health Organization, 2026 -- Antibiotic use: target ≥70% of total antibiotic use being access group antibiotics
  6. MDSpire News — Digital Tool Cuts Antibiotic Prescribing
  7. Infection — Utilization of Automated Notifications for Critical Antibiotics with Evaluation by Infectious Disease Experts: Effects on Prescription Quality and Financial Implications
  8. BMJ Health & Care Informatics — A Systematic Review Protocol on the Role of Electronic Medication Management Systems in Hospitals: Exploring Mechanisms Affecting Patient Safety, Operational Efficiency, and Staff Experience
  9. Infection — Pharmacist-Driven Stewardship Strategies: Evaluating the Impact of Antimicrobial Restriction at Salzburg University Hospital
  10. NHS England Interoperability Guidance
  11. Journal of Medical Internet Research - Extent of Digital Health Fragmentation
  12. Scientific summary - Development and evaluation of a complex ePrescribing-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (ePAMS+) intervention for hospitals: a mixed method study - NCBI Bookshelf

Original Source(s)

Extent of Digital Health Fragmentation and Potential Implications for Antimicrobial Prescribing: Rapid Evidence Review

  • by Verena Schneider, Akish Luintel, Bethan Balch, Shivani Gangadia, Grainne Brady, Emma McGuire, Gwenan M Knight, Laura Shallcross, Steve Harris, Cecilia Vindrola-Padros

  • October 6, 2026

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