A Universal FHIR Viewer and Editor as the Key to Unlocking Seamless Interoperability
Healthcare systems are complex and require the sharing of vast amounts of patient data to ensure continuity of care. The need for interoperability in healthcare has been a long-standing issue, and it has only become more pressing with the increasing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and other health information technologies. One key to unlocking seamless interoperability in hospital data integration centers is the adoption of a universal FHIR viewer and editor. In this article, we will explore what FHIR is, why it is important, and how a universal FHIR viewer and editor can facilitate data sharing and interoperability in healthcare.
Understanding FHIR
FHIR is a data exchange standard that allows for the exchange of healthcare information electronically. The standard was developed by the Health Level Seven International (HL7) organization and is based on modern web standards such as RESTful APIs, JSON, and XML. FHIR allows for the exchange of healthcare information in a structured format, making it easier for different systems to communicate and exchange data. FHIR is gaining traction among healthcare organizations due to its flexibility and ease of implementation.
The Challenge of Interoperability
Interoperability in healthcare has been a long-standing challenge. The lack of interoperability results in data silos, making it difficult for different systems to communicate and exchange data. This leads to inefficiencies in care delivery and can compromise patient safety. The lack of interoperability also makes it difficult to analyze data across different systems, hindering population health management and research.
The Promise of FHIR
FHIR has emerged as a promising solution to the challenge of interoperability in healthcare. FHIR provides a standard way to exchange healthcare data electronically, making it easier for different systems to communicate and exchange data. FHIR also allows for the exchange of data in a structured format, making it easier to analyze and use the data for population health management and research.
The Role of FHIR Viewer and Editor
While FHIR has shown promise in improving interoperability in healthcare, the lack of a universal FHIR viewer and editor is a major obstacle to its adoption. A FHIR viewer and editor is a tool that allows healthcare organizations to view and edit FHIR resources. Currently, there is no universal FHIR viewer and editor, which means that healthcare organizations must develop their own or rely on third-party tools. This lack of a universal FHIR viewer and editor results in additional costs, delays, and inefficiencies in implementing FHIR.
Benefits of a Universal FHIR Viewer and Editor
A universal FHIR viewer and editor would provide several benefits to healthcare organizations. Firstly, it would reduce the cost and time required to implement FHIR. Healthcare organizations would not need to develop their own viewer and editor or rely on third-party tools. Instead, they could use a universal viewer and editor, reducing the cost and time required to implement FHIR. Secondly, a universal viewer and editor would improve interoperability by ensuring that all healthcare organizations use a common tool to view and edit FHIR resources. This would make it easier for different systems to communicate and exchange data, improving the efficiency of care delivery and population health management. Finally, a universal viewer and editor would provide a standardized way to analyze FHIR resources, making it easier to use the data for research and population health management.
Overcoming the Challenges
Developing a universal FHIR viewer and editor is not without its challenges. Firstly, there is a need to develop a tool that is flexible and adaptable to different healthcare organizations’ needs. Secondly, there is a need for consensus among healthcare organizations and vendors on the features and functionality of a universal FHIR viewer and editor. This would ensure that the tool meets the needs of all stakeholders and can be widely adopted. Thirdly, there is a need for investment and resources to develop and maintain a universal FHIR viewer and editor. Healthcare organizations, vendors, and government agencies will need to work together to secure funding and resources for the development and maintenance of a universal FHIR viewer and editor.
Working Product Prototype: MedVertical Records
MedVertical, a healthcare IT solutions company, has developed a working product prototype called Records. This universal FHIR viewer and editor that has Demo available for the public, is designed to help healthcare organizations manage and exchange patient data in a seamless and efficient manner. It provides a user-friendly interface that allows healthcare providers to access and edit patient data on a FHIR server that are integrated from various sources, including electronic health records, clinical systems, and mobile apps.
One of the key benefits of Records is the ability to browse your FHIR® server in real-time. The software comes with a set of pre-configured profiles that can be adjusted to the needs of your project. Selected resources are displayed in the main menu and listed in a customizable list view. Each resource has a dynamic name based on its data items and further attributes that can be adjusted to your specific needs.
Customization is a key feature of Records. You can tailor the columns of the list view per entity into custom reports by selecting from the available or adding custom columns. You can also define the main label of a resource, merge different keys in one cell, or combine and calculate different data paths with powerful FHIRPath expressions. Additionally, you can specify how the values are rendered, providing even greater control over the data you work with.
Another powerful feature of Records is the ability to view and edit resources through auto-generated forms. Individual resources are rendered with their profile and put into a clean, readable form. By default, hierarchies are collapsed and displayed as an editable summary, which remains editable for experts by expanding it. Instant validation provides visibility into validity and its connection to context for immediate correction.
Filtering the list view is another feature of Records that makes searching for resources easier. By utilizing search parameters of the FHIR® search framework, users can make simple or advanced and complex queries. Additionally, users can save filter combinations into dynamic collections that can be used by others.
When viewing or editing resources, Records presents the user with keys that are required by profile so that they can simply edit the values. Users can also add other keys at any level and edit the values. The different data types are presented with the appropriate input type, encouraging precision and decreasing input errors.
Autocompletion is another useful feature that allows users to select from value sets and catalogues. When a data item is restricted by a value set, the selection provides available options to choose from. With fast, incremental search and context-specific result ordering, Ontoserver puts SNOMED CT, AMT, LOINC, and FHIR®-based CodeSystems at the user’s fingertips.
Validation of resources against FHIR® profiles is another important feature of Records. The tool takes care of the validity of profile conformity regarding structure, cardinality, value domains, etc. Invalid fields are highlighted, providing a comprehensible error message. In addition, some of the errors that users may encounter can be automatically fixed with one click.
Finally, Records allows users to follow direct and indirect references to resources. Direct references pointing to other resources are rendered as links and are easy to follow, while indirect references, resources pointing to the currently viewed resource, are available for quick access as well.
One of the key features of MedVertical Records is its ability to support multiple versions of the FHIR standard and be FHIR server agnostic. This ensures that the tool can work with different servers, versions of FHIR and can adapt to changes in the standard over time. Additionally, the tool is designed to be scalable, allowing healthcare organizations to add or remove features as needed.
In Search for Early Adopters
MedVertical Records is a promising tool for healthcare organizations looking to improve data exchange and interoperability. To ensure that the tool meets the needs of healthcare organizations worldwide, MedVertical is actively seeking early adopters and partners to help refine and improve the tool. Early adopters of MedVertical Records will have the opportunity to shape the future of the tool and contribute to the development of a universal FHIR viewer and editor that meets the needs of healthcare organizations. They will also have access to the latest features and capabilities of the tool, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to healthcare data exchange and interoperability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lack of a universal FHIR viewer and editor has hindered the widespread adoption of FHIR and its potential for seamless interoperability in healthcare. However, MedVertical Records is a promising piece in the landscape of FHIR that can help fulfill its promise. MedVertical’s commitment to ongoing improvement and collaboration with healthcare organizations and vendors can help overcome the challenges to developing a universal FHIR viewer and editor. By working together, we can realize the full potential of FHIR and unlock the benefits of improved care delivery and population health management. The time is now to invest in universal FHIR tools like MedVertical Records, and pave the way for a brighter future in healthcare.
