Data Collection Process and Data Items

The authors reviewed each article in the same manner as the abstracts and determined the barriers and facilitators for the use of HIE to augment patient handoff in LTC. Piloted forms extracted similar data from each article: authors, year of publication, journal, country of publication, sample size, study design, signs of bias, limitations of study, facilitators for adoption, barriers to adoption, and a column for general comments. Facilitators were defined as characteristics or environmental factors that enabled the adoption and use of HIE between LTC and other levels of care. Barriers were defined as characteristics or environmental factors that serves as an obstacle or impediment to the adoption or use of HIE between LTC and other levels of care. The reviewers also examined potential bias and limitations of each article. Reviewers once again held a consensus meeting to discuss and compile observations as well as resolve any differences in observation.