Study lauds Indiana’s data-driven approach to population health

A study by Assistant Professor Karmen S. Williams and colleagues highlights Indiana’s health data network as a model for the nation.

In the case study, which explored the evolution and impact of the Indiana Network for Patient Care (INPC), the researchers found that the state’s approach could serve as a model for those looking to leverage health data for the greater good.

The INPC launched in 2004 with the goal of making it easier for doctors and hospitals to share patient information. Today, it contains records for nearly 25 million people, and has become a key tool for tracking health trends and helping public health officials make informed decisions.

The study, published in the journal BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, highlights several factors that have contributed to the INPC’s success, including its comprehensive data (pulling together information from 123 hospitals, 19,000 medical practices, and more than 54,000 health care providers), real-time updates, and versatility.

The INPC is now being used for more than just medical care, with researchers using its data to study social factors that affect health and design better prevention programs.

The researchers emphasize that the INPC’s layered approach—building on basic services and then adding new capabilities—has enabled it to adapt to changing health priorities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, the INPC was crucial for tracking cases and helping health leaders respond.

“INPC’s success demonstrates the potential of health information exchanges to improve both individual patient care and community health, suggesting that other states can learn from Indiana’s experience as they work to build similar networks,” says Williams. “Health Information Exchanges like the INPC are uniquely positioned to support both population health and clinical applications.”