Pattern

This implementation guide uses DocumentReference to store the forms and Observation to represent the data captured in that form. Each Observation has a reference to the DocumentReference containing the form from which it was created. This reference relationship ensures that the originating source of data can be found through the subsequently created artifacts. It is essential that the question, answer, and relationship of that question to other questions is captured in the form.

The FHIR Observations in IHE SDC on FHIR, rely on the parent-child structure of SDC Forms to capture data. The Observations contain links to one another to ensure that the parent-child relationships can be reconstructed.

Validation

The generated Observations can be validated against the originating SDC form using the question and answer pairs from the form. This validation can be used to ensure that applicable answers are attached the appropriate questions.