Which of the following accurately describes a Data Silo in a healthcare context?

In the healthcare context, a Data Silo refers to a separate database or system that is restricted to a specific department, functioning independently from other departments within the organization. This separation can inhibit the flow of information, making it difficult for various departments to share data and collaborate effectively.

When departments operate with their own distinct databases, it creates barriers to communication and impacts the overall efficiency of healthcare services, as patient information and data analytics may not be readily accessible across the organization. Data silos can lead to fragmentation of care, where healthcare providers may be unaware of a patient's complete medical history due to the isolation of pertinent information within one departmental system.

In contrast, a unified database accessible by all departments would foster better integration and communication, while cloud-based information systems and public information repositories serve different functions and purposes within information management and sharing. Therefore, option B accurately captures the essence of what constitutes a Data Silo in healthcare.