Class: B.Sc.
II Semester
Topic: Challenges of capturing rich
patient histories in a computable
form
Unit: IV
Subject: HEALTH/NURSING
INFORMATICS AND TECHNOLOGY
Prepared by:
Dr. Rahul Sharma
Latest global developments and standards to
enable lifelong electronic health records to
be integrated from disparate systems.
Integrating lifelong electronic health
records (EHRs) from disparate
systems is a complex endeavor that
has seen significant advancements
in global standards and collaborative
efforts. Key developments include:
Latest global developments and standards to
enable lifelong electronic health records to
be integrated from disparate systems.
1. Adoption of HL7 FHIR Standard : The
Fast Healthcare Interoperability
Resources (FHIR) standard, developed
by Health Level Seven International
(HL7), has become pivotal in facilitating
seamless electronic health data exchange.
FHIR employs modern web technologies
and standardized data formats, enabling
interoperability across various healthcare
systems and devices.
Latest global developments and standards to
enable lifelong electronic health records to
be integrated from disparate systems.
2. Collaboration Between SNOMED
International and open EHR : In March 2025,
SNOMED International and open EHR
entered a five-year collaboration to enhance
health data interoperability. This partnership
aims to combine SNOMED CT's
comprehensive clinical terminology with
open EHR's standardized EHR specifications,
promoting consistent and interoperable
health data management globally
Latest global developments and standards to
enable lifelong electronic health records to
be integrated from disparate systems.
3. Emphasis on Semantic
Interoperability : Achieving
semantic interoperability
ensures that exchanged data is
not only shared but also
meaningfully interpreted across
systems.
Latest global developments and standards to
enable lifelong electronic health records to
be integrated from disparate systems.
4. Implementation of Data Privacy
and Security Standards:
Protecting patient data is crucial when
integrating electronic health records.
Compliance with regulations such as the
Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) ensures that
patient information is kept confidential
and secure.
Latest global developments and standards to
enable lifelong electronic health records to
be integrated from disparate systems.
5. National Initiatives and Standards:
Countries are developing and adopting
national standards to guide EHR
integration. For instance, India's Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare released the
Electronic Health Record Standards for
India, outlining protocols for data privacy,
security, and interoperability to ensure
consistent EHR implementation
nationwide.