FHIR is a game-changing standard for health data interoperability
In our last #Linkedin poll to know the trends that will influence 2023, interoperability of health data got 50% of the votes against 25% telehealth services, 19% preventative care services and 6% DTx. So, let's talk about interoperability as it matters for the healthcare actors and it is a fundamental piece in our solution Alakin Health .
The healthcare industry has long struggled with #interoperability, the ability for different systems and technologies to communicate and share data effectively. However, the introduction of #HL7 #FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is changing that.
FHIR is a next-generation standard for healthcare data interoperability, developed by HL7 (Health Level Seven International). It is designed to be a more modern, flexible and efficient way of exchanging data, compared to the older HL7 standards. FHIR is revolutionizing the way healthcare providers and vendors share and access patient information. FHIR is a set of guidelines and specifications for creating and sharing electronic health records (EHRs) that are easy to use, understand, and implement.
One of the major differences between HL7 and FHIR is that FHIR is based on modern web technologies, such as RESTful APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) data format. This makes it much easier to integrate with other systems and technologies, and to access data from anywhere. This is in contrast to other interoperability standards, such as HL7 v2, which use complex, proprietary messaging formats that are difficult to implement and maintain. Another important aspect of FHIR is its use of a modular, resource-based approach to data sharing. This allows providers and vendors to only share the information that is necessary, rather than sending large amounts of unnecessary data. This not only improves the efficiency of data exchange, but also helps to protect patient privacy. For example, it includes specific resources for patients, medications, lab results, and more.
FHIR is being implemented in various ways in Europe and the United States
The implementation of FHIR in US and European hospitals has already shown significant benefits. For example, the Dutch government has mandated the use of FHIR in all healthcare organizations by 2020, and many hospitals have already adopted it. This has led to improved patient care and reduced costs, as well as better communication and collaboration between different healthcare providers.
There is also the EU-funded project, "FHIR-Enabled Integrated Care," which aims to create a standardized way of exchanging patient data between different countries and health systems in Europe. This project is using FHIR to develop a common data model and set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that can be used by different health systems to share patient data.
Another example of FHIR implementation in Europe is the "FHIR4CR" project, which is focused on developing a FHIR-based clinical research platform. This platform will allow researchers to access and use patient data from different sources, such as electronic health records and clinical trials, in a standardized and secure way. This will enable more efficient and effective clinical research, ultimately leading to better treatments and outcomes for patients.
In the United States, FHIR is also being widely adopted to improve health data interoperability. One example is the "CommonWell Health Alliance," which is a group of healthcare providers and technology companies that are working together to develop and implement FHIR-based solutions for sharing patient data. This alliance has developed a set of APIs that can be used by different health systems to share patient data in a standardized way.
Another example of FHIR implementation in the United States is the "FHIR Accelerator Program" launched by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). This program aims to accelerate the development and adoption of FHIR-based solutions for sharing patient data by providing funding and resources to developers and healthcare providers. It leads to the 21st Century Cures Act, passed by the US Congress in 2016. It includes guidance and real-time compliance deadlines for the adoption of HL7 FHIR APIs as a standard to accelerate data exchange across healthcare. The deadline was December 31st, 2022. This is a major step forward in making healthcare safer, better, and more affordable for all.
Cerner and Epic are two major electronic health record (EHR) systems used in healthcare. Both companies have published a number of FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) profiles, which are standardized specifications for how data should be structured and exchanged between systems.
Cerner has published a number of FHIR profiles, including:
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Epic has also published a number of FHIR profiles, including:
Both Cerner and Epic are committed to FHIR as a standard for interoperability, and they both continue to publish new FHIR profiles to support the exchange of data between systems.
Fairness is a crucial aspect of ensuring the interoperability of health data
Fairness is a crucial aspect of ensuring the interoperability of health data in Europe and the United States. Both regions have implemented various measures to ensure that data is collected, stored, and shared in a way that is fair and respects the rights of individuals.
In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a key piece of legislation that ensures fairness in the collection and use of personal data. The GDPR requires that data controllers obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and using their personal data. It also requires that data controllers provide individuals with clear and transparent information about how their data will be used and who it will be shared with.
In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a key piece of legislation that ensures fairness in the collection and use of health data. HIPAA requires that healthcare providers obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and using their health data. It also requires that healthcare providers provide individuals with clear and transparent information about how their data will be used and who it will be shared with.
Another example of fairness in health data interoperability is the use of data sharing agreements. These agreements ensure that data is shared in a way that is fair and respects the rights of individuals. For example, data sharing agreements may require that data is only shared for specific purposes and that it is only shared with authorized parties.
In addition, both Europe and the United States have implemented measures to ensure that data is protected and secure. This includes the use of encryption and other security measures to protect data from unauthorized access and breaches.
In conclusion, HL7 FHIR represents a revolution in the healthcare industry, providing a modern and efficient way to share data between different systems and technologies. By making healthcare data more accessible and actionable, FHIR is helping to improve patient care and reduce costs. With the support of government mandates and regulations, the adoption of FHIR is set to accelerate, leading to a more interoperable and connected healthcare ecosystem.
At Tech2heal we have developed a strong knowledge of FHIR as our main platform Alakin Health is natively developed in FHIR to be interoperable with profiles for France, US and others significant markets in Europe and Asia.