Interoperability

Interoperability is the capacity for each system on a network to communicate with other systems to share, consolidate, and use data. Interoperable applications and systems automatically exchange data in such a way that the data is accessible, accurate, and secure, with little human interaction needed. Interoperability is possible only when all stakeholders—healthcare organizations, governments, payers, and other players—agree on the standards, technologies, and terminology needed for the exchange of data between diverse systems.

About FHIR

The HL7® FHIR® (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard defines how healthcare information can be exchanged between different computer systems regardless of how it is stored in those systems. It allows healthcare information, including clinical and administrative data, to be available securely to those who have a need to access it, and to those who have the right to do so for the benefit of a patient receiving care. The standards development organization HL7® (Health Level Seven®3) uses a collaborative approach to develop and upgrade FHIR.

These are some of the Interoperability Standards which are currently being used

FHIR Resources


Administration

Patient

This profile allows exchange of demographics and other administrative information about an individual receiving care or other health-related services.

PractitionerRole

This profile allows exchange of a specific set of roles, specialties and services that a practitioner may perform at an organisation for a period of time.

Location

This profile can be used to exchange details and position information for a physical place where services are provided and resources and participants may be stored, found, contained, or accommodated.

HealthcareService

This profile is used to describe a single healthcare service or category of services that are provided by an organisation at a location, including a virtual location.

Practitioner

This profile allows exchange of information about all individuals who are engaged in the healthcare process and healthcare-related services as part of their formal responsibilities, is used for attribution of activities and responsibilities to these individuals.

Encounter

This profile allows exchange of information about an interaction between an individual and healthcare providers for the purpose of providing healthcare services or assessing the health status of an individual.