About FHIR
The Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is a draft standard describing data formats and elements (known as “resources”) and an application programming interface (API) for exchanging electronic health records. FHIR aims to simplify implementation and facilitate interoperability between health care systems.
Main Features of FHIR
- Scalability: FHIR can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from mobile phone apps, cloud communications, EHR-based data sharing, server communication, and more.
- Flexibility: FHIR supports for RESTful architectures, but also has provisions for leveraging more traditional messaging and service-based architectures.
- Interoperability: By leveraging existing logical and theoretical models, FHIR facilitates interoperability between healthcare systems.
Understanding FHIR Resources
FHIR “Resources” are the base level data elements defined by the FHIR specification. They are the discrete chunks of information that are communicated by or stored within FHIR-based systems. There are several types of resources, including: Patients, Providers, Organizations, Observations, and more.
Working with the FHIR API
FHIR provides a rich, powerful set of tools that developers can use to store, retrieve, update, and delete health data. It’s designed to be simple and easy to work with, even for those who are not healthcare professionals or data scientists.
Implementing FHIR
Implementing FHIR involves storing and retrieving data using the resources and API described above. There are also FHIR libraries available in a range of popular programming languages, which can simplify the process of working with FHIR data.
Improving Healthcare with FHIR
FHIR promises to drive down the time and cost of health software development, increase the ability for healthcare systems to interact and exchange data, and reduce the complexity of health data management. By doing so, FHIR will enable better patient care, improved population health, and a more effective healthcare system.
Conclusion
This guide is an introduction to FHIR, its main features, how to work with its resources and API, its implementation, and the benefits it brings to healthcare. However, FHIR is a vast subject with much to learn. As always, it’s recommended to read the official specification and try out practical examples to increase your understanding.