FHIR-HL7 and The Future Of Interoperability
The healthcare industry deals with huge piles of data every day. Therefore, secure data storage is essential. Although there are several innovation opportunities in the healthcare industry, clear and concise communication is still a task! That’s when the FHIR-HL7 came into the limelight! FHIR-HL7, also known as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, was developed so that healthcare data can be exchanged smoothly between different computers.
Over the years, FHIR-HL7 has introduced several innovations for a smooth information exchange. In this article, we are going to highlight everything you must know about FHIR-HL7. We will also shed light on interoperability and its future in healthcare. So, here we go!
Overview of FHIR-HL7
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource or FHIR,
was developed by HL7. It is an interoperability standard designed to promote
the digital exchange of healthcare data between one or more computer systems.
For over two decades, HL7 has produced exceptional healthcare data and modeling
standards. FHIR is the most recent one where data can be exchanged
efficiently.
Consequently, it offers an easier way to exchange
data between healthcare apps without compromising its integrity. FHIR includes
the usage of different APIs, allowing various applications to plug into a
standard OS. This feeds all important data to the provider’s workflow. Here,
you can share data in various formats. These include services, messages,
documents and RESTful interfaces. The primary aim behind the development of
FHIR is to accommodate user experience and increase healthcare data
complexities.
An Introduction to HL7
The non-profit organization that publishes FHIR,
HL7, is accredited by the American National Standards Institute to produce
healthcare standards. Some of the largest industrial companies and healthcare
providers use the program; it is an international organization with over 50
member countries. It strives to facilitate the retrieval, sharing, exchange,
and integration of electronic health data. Its guiding principle is to produce
a foundational collection of materials that most institutions utilize in the
healthcare system.
6 Key Features of FHIR
1. Extraordinary Association:
As FHIR is an open-source standard it consists of a
team of brilliant experts who work on promoting the best solutions for the
healthcare industry. The team is passionate about dealing with complex issues
and queries related to the healthcare information technology ecosystem.
2. Well- Made Financial Data Tool:
Because of the hands of many experienced experts in
the development of FHIR, it has developed the best tool for storing financial
and clinical data.
3. User-Friendly API And Tools:
FHIR hand over tools that are easy to learn and use
for mobile applications and webs. It does not provide tools that require
extensive training.
4. Strong FHIR Groundwork:
FHIR is an integration of major features of HL7 and
CDA. FHIR is the absolute arrangement that can be applied to solve various
administrative, clinical and business problems. It’s a tool that can create
miracles in the hands of healthcare innovators.
5. HIPAA Compliant:
FHIR server guarantees HIPAA compliance by putting
safe systems in place. Part 2 and SAMHSA data, among other sensitive data, are
marked separately. As a result, access and viewing capabilities are permitted
in accordance with the necessary authorization, guaranteeing a high level of
HIPAA compliance.
6. Highly Scalable:
In response to the explosion of data, the Enhanced
FHIR server introduces a solution that is scalable both horizontally and
vertically. Increasing the resources of an already-existing application or
server is referred to as vertical scaling.
Top 8
Benefits of FHIR
FHIR is tailor-made for the internet, using ‘resources’ as its
core concept. This means any type of content can be exchanged and incorporated
seamlessly into existing systems.
1.
User-Friendly:
FHIR takes into account advanced web technologies that are
user-friendly and familiar to developers such as ATOM, REST, HTTPS, XML, and
OAuth.
2. Free
Access:
Before 2013, HL7 standards were not accessible without
limitations. In contrast, FHIR specifications are fully open, with no
restrictions or login barriers.
3. Act
as a pillar to RESTful Architecture:
The REST API is the new model that FHIR brings into existence.
REST APIs make sharing and exchanging information simpler. REST APIs also bring
tools of the interface.
4.
Swift Implementation:
FHIR HL7 promises that developers can set up a user-friendly
interface within a day, and with the right integration engine, it can be
accomplished even more quickly
5.
Support of Vendors:
FHIR has the support of the biggest EHR vendors because of this
there is a rise in the development of applications based on SMART on FHIR.
This has made data sharing easier and improved the level of interoperability.
6.
Mobile-Friendly:
FHIR makes use of technologies that are supported by mobile
devices like REST and JSON. This is the reason for the increase in the number
of mobile health applications that should lead to a huge increase in the number
of Mobile Healthcare Apps.
7.
Doesn’t Require Any Special Efforts:
Required skills for FHIR implementation are easily transferable
and doesn’t require extensive training. This also helps the companies to save
their costs.
8. Cost
saving
Lowering the complexity of data interchange and facilitating more
effective data sharing will save expenses and raise the standard of service
that you offer. Development is something you do once and can utilize
repeatedly. It’s not always necessary to start from scratch when creating a
custom method of data sharing between various platforms.
Conclusion
In the healthcare
industry, FHIR-HL7 and interoperability stand at the forefront as they promote
secure and safe data storage. These standards establish clear communication and
improve data sharing. Additionally, they prepare healthcare experts for
advancements in the industry.
FAQs
1. What
is the future of FHIR in the healthcare industry?
Although there are
multiple challenges, FHIR is known to reshape the healthcare industry. It will
become a group of applications that work on a centralized system to manage and
control different healthcare options.
2. How is FHIR different from
HL7?
FHIR is known for using
RESTful web services and open web technologies. These include XML and RDF. On
the other hand, FHIR relies on XML for communication. As a result, FHIR is a
highly flexible and modern solution as compared to HL7.
3. How
does FHIR support integration with legacy health systems?
FHIR facilitates data
conversion, promotes interoperability between legacy systems and standardizes
data extraction.
4. What are some major
challenges of FHIR?
Like most technologies,
FHIR is not free of challenges. One major challenge of the FHIR is the
Inconsistent implementation of APIs. This means that not every software will
work efficiently within the FHIR framework.
5. List
common benefits of FHIR in the healthcare industry
Here are the top benefits
of FHIR in the healthcare industry:
- Faster go-to-market
- Better data management
- Improved collaboration and data
sharing
- Patient empowerment
- better data integration
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