In Greece, FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is beginning to shape the way healthcare data is exchanged. Currently, its adoption is at a nascent stage, with a score of 2 out of 5 indicating early phases of use. The versions R4 and R5 of FHIR are notably recognized, with R4 having a modest adoption (scored 3) and R5 being more anticipated (scored 4). The expectation for FHIR adoption in the coming years is positive, with a score of 4 suggesting growing optimism.
Rules and Support
- Health Data Exchange Rules:
- FHIR is advised in regulations for electronic health data exchange.
- Specific regulations are in place mandating the use of standards like FHIR.
- FHIR Requirements:
- The regulation explicitly mentions FHIR.
- Deadlines and Compliance:
- No strict deadlines for compliance.
- Uncertainty around fines for non-compliance.
- Funding:
- Currently, no government funds are available to support FHIR adoption.
- Upcoming regulations and digital reform tenders may change this scenario.
National Setup
- Standards Organization:
- Greece currently has no national organization responsible for health data standards.
- Implementation Guides:
- A base/core FHIR implementation guide is under development.
- Terminology Services:
- A national FHIR terminology server is planned but not yet available.
Active Use Cases
- Local Implementations:
- Specific use cases developed include Prescriptions/Pharmacy, Referrals/Continuity of care, Terminology, Diagnostic Orders/Reports, Document Exchange, Imaging, and Immunizations.
- International Standards Use:
- European Implementation Guides are being adopted.
Who's Using FHIR
- Active Organizations:
- Care providers, payers/insurers, EHR system vendors, diagnostic system vendors (like Imaging/Lab), and app developers are actively involved.
- Main Reasons for Adoption:
- Regulation and grants, innovation, and development of new FHIR standards for specific use cases.
- Usage of FHIR:
- While specifics on how each sector is using FHIR are not detailed, the engagement across a broad spectrum suggests a foundational effort to integrate FHIR into multiple facets of healthcare information technology.
Success Stories and Challenges
- Benefits:
- The survey does not detail specific success stories or direct benefits realized from FHIR adoption in Greece.
- Main Difficulties:
- Key challenges include unclear regulations, a lack of FHIR knowledge, and changes in political direction.
- Future Plans:
- Expectations are set on the expanded adoption of FHIR, the development of a national FHIR data model, and new regulations that prescribe the use of standards in health data exchange.
Future Plans
- Progress So Far:
- Greece has made "quite the progress expected" in the last year regarding FHIR adoption.
- Next Steps:
- Development of a national FHIR data model and new FHIR standards for specific use cases.
- Launch of pilot projects with selected healthcare stakeholders.
- Expected Changes:
- In the next three years, significant benefits from FHIR adoption are anticipated, including cost savings, enhanced care coordination, and a robust digital health ecosystem.
Contributors to the survey have chosen to remain anonymous; thus, individual names are not listed.
The above summary is based on the answers to the State of FHIR Survey 2025, organized by Firely and HL7 International.