In Guatemala, the adoption of FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) for exchanging healthcare data is in its early stages. Currently, the use of FHIR stands at a basic level, with versions DSTU2, STU3, and R4 being explored, but with limited implementation. Respondents expect an increase in the adoption of FHIR in the coming years, indicating a growing interest in its potential to improve healthcare data exchange.

Rules and Support

  • Health Data Exchange Rules: There are no specific regulations mandating the use of standards for electronic health data exchange in Guatemala.
  • FHIR Requirements: No requirements or regulations specifically mention FHIR.
  • Deadlines and Fines: No deadlines or fines are imposed for non-compliance since there are no regulations in place.
  • Available Funding: Government funds to stimulate the adoption of FHIR are not available, reflecting the nascent stage of FHIR adoption in the country.

National Setup

  • Standards Organization: Guatemala does not have a national organization responsible for health data standards. One respondent mentioned RECAINSA, but no further details or links were provided.
  • Implementation Guides: There are no base/core FHIR implementation guides specific to Guatemala.
  • Terminology Services: No national FHIR terminology server is available, and there are no plans for one.

Active Use Cases

  • Local implementations and pilot projects are being considered, with specific interest in diagnostic images.
  • Use of international FHIR standards or guides is not specified.
  • Key projects include launching pilot projects with selected healthcare stakeholders, although details are limited.

Who's Using FHIR

  • Active Organizations: Care providers and diagnostic system vendors are engaging with FHIR to some extent. Specific roles include IT project management and digital health project coordination.
  • Main Reasons for Adoption: Interest in FHIR stems from its potential to drive innovation, though actual implementations are not widely reported.
  • Usage: FHIR is being explored for various applications, including REST API and messaging, but widespread use is not yet evident.

Success Stories and Challenges

  • Benefits: One response highlighted data protection as a successful FHIR use case, suggesting an awareness of FHIR's potential to improve healthcare outcomes and access to information.
  • Real Examples: Specific examples of FHIR in action are limited, indicating the early stage of adoption in Guatemala.
  • Main Difficulties: Challenges include unclear benefits and regulations, lack of FHIR knowledge, and changes in political direction.
  • Future Plans: Respondents are looking forward to their own projects and anticipate significant cost savings, enhanced care coordination, and a robust digital health ecosystem through FHIR adoption.

Future Plans

  • Progress So Far: Responses indicate that progress in FHIR adoption has varied, with some reporting less progress than expected and others more.
  • Next Steps: Plans include the development of new FHIR standards for specific use cases and the establishment of a national standards organization.
  • Expected Changes: There is optimism about the benefits of FHIR adoption in the coming years, including cost savings and improved healthcare coordination.

Contributors

Permitted to use their names:

  • Marcelino Maldonado, IGSS
  • Oscar Rodriguez Ortiz, UNOPS

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