Health Level 7 International (HL7) is a non-profit organization that develops standards for the exchange, integration, sharing, and retrieval of electronic health information. HL7 standards are widely used in the healthcare industry to ensure interoperability between different systems and facilitate the seamless exchange of health data.
HL7 standards are developed through a consensus-based process that involves healthcare professionals, IT experts, and other stakeholders. These standards define the structure, format, and semantics of health data to ensure that information is exchanged accurately and securely.
One of the key standards developed by HL7 is the HL7 Version 2 (V2) messaging standard. This standard defines a set of rules for the exchange of messages between healthcare systems, such as electronic health records (EHRs), laboratory systems, and billing systems. The HL7 V2 standard specifies the format of messages, the data elements to be included, and the rules for message transmission.
Another important standard developed by HL7 is the HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. FHIR is a modern standard that leverages web technologies to enable the exchange of health data in a more flexible and efficient manner. FHIR resources are defined using a simple and intuitive data model, making it easier for developers to implement and use.
By standardizing the exchange of electronic health information, HL7 helps healthcare organizations improve the quality of care, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals can easily access and share patient information across different systems, leading to better coordination of care and more informed decision-making.
| HL7 Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| HL7 V2 | Defines rules for message exchange between healthcare systems |
| HL7 FHIR | Leverages web technologies for flexible health data exchange |
Healthcare professionals can benefit from courses that cover HL7 standards, such as HL7 V2 and HL7 FHIR. These courses provide valuable insights into how electronic health information is standardized and exchanged, helping professionals stay current with industry best practices and advancements in health IT.