Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR®)

Developed by Health Level 7 (HL7), FHIR is a messaging standard for the exchange of electronic healthcare information. Its modular architecture uses discrete "resources" like patients, medications, and observations, thereby promoting flexibility and scalability. FHIR simplifies implementation and real-time data exchange, by enhancing interoperability and breaking down data silos. It is built on modern web standards such as REpresentational State Transfer architecture (RESTful) Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Additionally, it uses Java Script Object Notation (JSON), and eXtensible Markup Language (XML).

FHIR Extensibility

As FHIR is an international standard which must function for the entire world, it has been designed to support extensibility. This allows custom resources to meet specific needs without disrupting the core standard, and fostering diverse healthcare environments. In support of the 21st Century Cures Act final rule mandating FHIR for interoperability, it supports modern messaging frameworks.(i.e., RESTFul APIs). The FHIR specification facilitates better informed clinical decisions due to its focus on specific clinical domains leading to.improved patient outcomes.

By enabling seamless integration and fostering innovation, FHIR provides a standard mechanism to drive continuous expansion of data exchange. Its global adoption promotes clinical collaborations, making it a significant advancement in healthcare IT and paving the way.for connect health.

JPSys' Involvement in HL7

JPSys' has continuously demonstrates leadership and innovation in the field of healthcare data standards for Enterprise Applications and Web Services. Our team specializes in enabling healthcare data to move seamlessly and reliably across systems.

Our team members include HL7 Fellows Galen Mulrooney and Jay Lyle, who have been representing VA at HL7 Working Group meetings for over 25 years. Furthermore, they have facilitated strategic decisions on IT structure, data interoperability, and enterprise-wide.clinical terminologies standards. Additionally, Galen, a former Co-chair of the Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) working group and the Clinical Informatics Modeling.Initiative (CIMI), worked closely with the developers of the FHIR standard from its inception in 2011. Also, Jay, a Terminology Subject Matter Expert and. Data Standards Architect, specializes in FHIR implementation and API development, having co-chaired numerous HL7 Standards Working Groups. Jay Lyle leads the VA FHIR Community of Practice which supports FHIR developers across the VHA.

JPSys is at the forefront of the transition from data exchange using Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) to the proper use of FHIR. We played a fundamental role in the creation and advocacy for FHIR, recognizing the need for a more agile and flexible standard that supports specific use.cases and modern webs technologies.

Advancements in the Development of the FHIR Standard

Additionally, JPSys' engagement with HL7 enables us to contribute significantly to innovative FHIR standards advancements. The requirement for FHIR servers to publish a capability statement maintains compliance and supports regulatory requirements like Meaningful Use. Transparency and accountability are essential for certifying systems based on their capabilities. Our innovative solutions are compliant with the highest requirements of interoperability and data exchange. This has established us as leaders in the healthcare IT field, driving.continuous improvement and fostering a culture of innovation within the industry.

Hence, JPSys' active participation in HL7 and our extensive responsibilities under the "EHR Lights On" task order reflect.our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Our proactive and innovative methodologies enable us to not only. meet but exceed the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Examples of JPSys innovations that have driven quality improvements follow:

• JPSys facilitates monthly "deep dive" presentations for VA personnel and external stakeholders on current events in the Standards Development Organization (SDO) community. Our presentations see a monthly audience ranging from 100-140 attendees, representing 60 VA and external groups involved in terminology standards. These VHA "Lunch & Learn" sessions keep our clients and partners informed about important developments, promoting innovation and adherence to the latest standards in terminology.
• When implementing technological innovations, we use Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodologies in both the Clinical Reminder Taxonomy Evaluation (CRTE)