In Thailand, FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is starting to make its mark on healthcare data exchange. The current use varies across different versions, with a notable emphasis on the R4 version, indicating a moderate level of adoption. Respondents anticipate a steady, though not rapid, increase in FHIR adoption in the coming years, reflecting a cautious optimism about the technology's potential to improve healthcare data interoperability in Thailand.

Rules and Support

  • Health Data Exchange Rules:
    • No specific regulation mandates the use of standards in electronic health data exchange, including FHIR.
  • FHIR Requirements:
    • While not specifically mentioned in regulations, FHIR is beginning to be recognized for its utility in healthcare data exchange.
  • Deadlines and Compliance:
    • There are currently no deadlines or fines imposed for non-compliance with FHIR standards.
  • Available Funding:
    • Government funds are available to stimulate the adoption of FHIR, encouraging its use across healthcare systems.

National Setup

  • Standards Organization:
  • Implementation Guides:
    • Thailand has a base/core FHIR implementation guide used in a limited set of use cases, available here.
  • Terminology Services:
    • Currently, there is no national FHIR terminology server, and there are no plans to develop one.

Active Use Cases

  • Local implementations focus on areas such as:
    • Prescriptions / Pharmacy
    • Referrals / Continuity of care
    • Terminology
    • Diagnostic Orders/Reports
    • International Patient Summary
  • Key projects are underway, though specific examples were not mentioned.

Who's Using FHIR

  • Active organizations include government sectors, indicating a top-down approach to adopting FHIR standards.
  • The main reasons for adoption appear to be the potential for improved interoperability and data exchange efficiency.
  • FHIR is primarily being used to enhance healthcare data exchange and integration.

Success Stories and Challenges

  • Benefits:
    • The adoption of FHIR is expected to lead to improved healthcare outcomes and access to information, though specific success stories were not detailed.
  • Challenges:
    • High investment costs and unclear regulations are significant barriers.
    • A lack of specific FHIR knowledge and unclear benefits contribute to hesitation among potential adopters.
  • Future Plans:
    • There's an interest in developing new FHIR standards for more specific use cases and launching pilot projects with healthcare stakeholders.

Future Plans

  • Progress so far includes the establishment of a core FHIR implementation guide and anticipation of expanded adoption across the healthcare ecosystem.
  • Next steps are focused on developing new FHIR standards and launching pilot projects.
  • Expected changes include a continued gradual increase in FHIR adoption, despite current challenges and dissatisfaction with the pace of progress.

Contributors

  • Ben Ruktantichoke, Vice President at Big Data Institute
  • Rath Panyowat, Director at Thai Health Information Standards Development Center

This document provides a snapshot of FHIR's role in Thailand's healthcare data exchange landscape, reflecting both the current state and aspirations for the future.

The above summary is based on the answers to the State of FHIR Survey 2025, organized by Firely and HL7 International.