DFT-preBallot - The specification is a DFT-preBallot version of CA Core+ for collecting community feedback. For a full list of available versions, see the Directory of published versions

Modules

CA Core+ includes general-purpose modules that extend the foundational Common Data Exchange profiles with additional constraints to support pan-Canadian use cases and policy expectations. These modules address recurring patterns such as consent management, workflow coordination, and service requests, and are designed for reuse across jurisdictions and domains.

The current available Modules are:

• Common Data Exchange
• Workflows

What Is a Module?

A module in CA Core+ is a structured collection of FHIR profiles, extensions, and terminology artifacts that together represent a shared functional capability—such as tracking tasks or recording patient consent.

These modules provide cross-cutting patterns that appear in multiple contexts, rather than being tied to a single domain (e.g., cancer, mental health, or referrals). They are designed to be broad enough for wide adoption while allowing downstream implementation guides to introduce further constraints as necessary.

Current Modules

The following modules are included in this version of CA Core+:

Common Data Exchange Profiles Module

The Common Data Exchange module defines foundational data elements that are expected to be reused across nearly all domains and implementations. It includes profiles for:

• Patient
• Practitioner
• Organization
• Location
• Encounter
• Observation
• Condition

These profiles align with the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI) and represent widely supported data structures across pan-Canadian implementations. They serve as a baseline for all other modules and are referenced or extended in jurisdictional guides.

Workflow Module

The Workflows module provides general-purpose coordination tools for managing referrals, task tracking, triage, and messaging. It includes profiles on:

• Task
• ServiceRequest
• Communication

These profiles are adaptable for implementation guides such as CA:eReC, where additional constraints can be layered to meet specific use cases.

Future Modules

CA Core+ is structured to evolve in response to emerging pan-Canadian priorities. Potential future modules may address:

• Scheduling and appointment booking
• Cancer
• Hospital Sector workflows
• Security and privacy (which will be more specific than the existing Security And Privacy section)
• Assessments and screening tools
• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
• Administrative and billing processes

New modules will be developed collaboratively with jurisdictions, vendors, and pan-Canadian initiatives, following a consistent structure to enable reuse and minimize fragmentation.

Relationship to Common Data Exchange Profiles

Modules are designed to integrate with the Common Data Exchange profiles in CA Core. For example:

• A Task profile in the Workflow module may reference a Practitioner or Patient profile defined in the Common Data Exchange Profiles module, ensuring interoperability across implementation guides.

Downstream implementation guides are encouraged to reuse these modules and apply additional constraints based on specific workflows, domains, or regulatory requirements. Review General Guidance for more information on deriving from the CA Core+.