Streamlining Interoperability in Patient Care with HL7 and FHIR Based Integration
The Current Scenario
Health Level 7 (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) are two essential healthcare standards that significantly improve data exchange and interoperability within the healthcare ecosystem. These standards outline how healthcare information can be exchanged between two systems regardless of how it is stored.
This is a system that makes healthcare information, including administrative and clinical data, available in a safe and secure format to those who need to access it to deliver better patient care.
Implementing the HL7 and FHIR standards along with HL7 integration or FHIR integration is essential in healthcare as it:
- Facilitates seamless exchange of health information
- Promotes interoperability
- Improves patient care coordination
- Supports the development of innovative healthcare solutions
The HL7 and FHIR standards play a crucial role in achieving an integrated and connected healthcare ecosystem.
Enabling Integration between Cloud-Based EHR and External Systems
A US-based cloud electronic health record (EHR) company that provides EHR systems to hospitals and clinics wanted to implement integration between its cloud-based EHR system and pharmacy systems. As EHR plays an instrumental role by taking care of functions that fall under patient care, the client was keen on integrating its cloud-based EHR system with the following external systems:
- Inpatient pharmacy (Pyxis integration)
- Outpatient pharmacy
- First Databank
On the solution front, Harbinger devised an interoperability system to help with different pharmacy integrations using the HL7 and FHIR standards. We conducted deep analysis of various integration engines based on parameters like security, licensing model and cost, and support to compliance platform.
Based on this analysis, we chose the Mirth engine for integration as it comes with good open source, security, compliance, and cost options.
What was the Impact?
Does your organization deal with multiple prescription records, lab tests, billing systems, doctors’ appointments, and other elements on a daily basis? Do you want them to work rapidly, securely, and in sync to make a notable difference to patient care and patient experience?
Rather than dealing with cumbersome and mechanical tasks, you can embrace digital storage and exchange of information to make the entire process seamless.
Before our client leveraged the power of HL7 and FHIR based integrations, various healthcare processes had to be completed manually, making it time-consuming, error-prone, and even costly for both patients and hospitals.
Our solution, which used the Mirth integration engine, was helpful in the following ways:
- Automated medication dispensing with Pyxis integration for inpatient pharmacy
- Helped EHR customers immediately connect with external pharmacies
- Supported physicians and nurses to make better patient care decisions
- Helped save cost
Learn how Harbinger deployed an instrumental solution for a leading EHR product company in the U.S.
