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What Is the HL7?

Oct 13, 2021

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To increase efficiency and improve the quality of care, electronic data processing is finding its way into the healthcare system. But there is a problem of not having a comprehensive information system that meets all requirements of the healthcare industry.

Since the field in question depends on the use of various systems and software, a so-called communication standard is necessary. Its goal is to enable interaction between various IT systems in a healthcare facility as well as cross-sector communication. Such a standard was introduced in 1987 by Health Level Seven International: HL7.

What is HL7 exactly? The HL7 standard classifies communication formats and content at the application level. It is independent of the hardware, software, or network used. For example, with the HL7 standard, it is possible to electronically transmit reports from one physician to another, allowing for faster data exchange. Thus, data can be exchanged quickly, which, in turn, reduces response times. Accordingly, the most important benefit is that the quality of patient care can be improved through faster communication.

The HL7 message may contain ADT-type (Admission, Discharge, Transfer) information. Only this message contains data about when the patient was admitted, discharged, or transferred.

The HL7 communication standard is available in different versions:

  • HL Version 2 standard is used to enable internal communication in a hospital. It is used primarily in the area of patient and service data, as well as for conclusions. The information is provided in text form for easy recording.

  • HL7 version 3 aims to integrate all institutions in the healthcare sector, that is, to allow different hospitals or medical facilities to communicate with each other.


 

Digitalization in healthcare is certainly still in its infancy, which becomes clear, for example, when making a doctor's appointment. To move your institution further in the direction of a virtual hospital, you should rely on software vendors that offer HL7 software development services.

Tags: English