In Taiwan, FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is gaining ground in healthcare data exchange. Currently, it's being used at a significant level, with a particular emphasis on the R4 version, noted for its advanced features and capabilities. The country anticipates an increased adoption rate of FHIR in the coming years, indicating a positive trajectory towards integrating this standard more comprehensively within its healthcare systems.

Rules and Support

Taiwan has established a regulatory framework and support mechanisms to foster the adoption of FHIR standards in healthcare data exchange:

  • Health Data Exchange Regulations: Legislation mandates the use of standards, specifically advising the use of FHIR.
  • FHIR Requirements: The regulations explicitly endorse FHIR without setting a compliance deadline or imposing fines for non-compliance.
  • Funding: Government funds are available to stimulate FHIR adoption. More information on these regulations and funds can be found here.

National Setup

Taiwan's efforts to standardize health data exchange include:

  • Standards Organization: A national organization responsible for health data standards, more information available here.
  • Implementation Guides: Taiwan has a widely used base/core FHIR implementation guide, accessible here.
  • Terminology Services: Plans are underway to establish a national FHIR terminology server.

Active Use Cases

FHIR is being actively used in Taiwan for:

Who's Using FHIR

FHIR adoption in Taiwan involves a diverse set of stakeholders:

  • Active Organizations: Care providers, payers/insurers, and EHR system vendors.
  • Main Reasons for Adoption:
    • Regulation and grants
    • Improving health outcomes
    • Enhancing care workflows
    • Driving innovation
  • Usage: Primarily for messaging, Rest API, and developing new standards for specific use cases.

Success Stories and Challenges

Taiwan has experienced clear benefits from FHIR adoption, including improved healthcare outcomes and access to information. However, challenges such as high investment costs, unclear benefits, and a lack of FHIR knowledge have been noted. Upcoming plans focus on overcoming these hurdles and expanding FHIR's adoption further.

Future Plans

Taiwan has made more progress with FHIR adoption than expected and is satisfied with the current rate of adoption. The next steps include:

  • Continuing the development of a national FHIR data model.
  • Launching pilot projects with selected healthcare stakeholders.

Expectations for the next three years are high, with significant cost savings, enhanced care coordination, and a stronger digital health ecosystem anticipated as a result of FHIR adoption.

Contributors

Due to privacy considerations, contributors' names are not shared.

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