EHDS tightens HL7 and IHE ties

IHE Netherlands and HL7 Netherlands are strengthening their collaboration. By joining forces, the two organizations hope to contribute to better data availability. That task has become even more urgent with the arrival of the European Health Data Space (EHDS).

The EHDS requires healthcare organizations within the European Union to exchange information digitally within the foreseeable future. "The EHDS is going to be a big leap forward for healthcare, because digital exchange of data will no longer be voluntary, but will be mandatory and must meet controlled requirements," says Vincent van den Berg, director at IHE Netherlands.

Open standards

HL7 and IHE both advocate the use of established methods and standards to exchange health data. By intensifying cooperation, both organizations want to make it easier for software vendors and healthcare organizations to apply open standards. This improves data availability.

European profiles

In line with this effort, HL7 Netherlands ensures that Dutch HL7 FHIR profiles are well aligned with European profiles. IHE's role is to monitor interoperability through, among other things, coordinated use of eHealth standards, including the HL7-FHIR standard.

Huge boost

"Like IHE, we also see the enormous potential of the EHDS to create better data availability," responds Jan-Eric Slot, president of HL7 Netherlands. "Moreover, by working with a European format in that exchange, we guarantee that the cooperation between hospitals and research organizations will get a huge boost. That is a win-win-win for patients, healthcare providers and researchers alike. In addition, the EHDS helps to open the European market for healthcare ICT, which in time will make more and better European solutions available."

Joint session

Closer cooperation between HL7 and IHE has taken the form, among other things, of monthly consultations. In these consultations, the boards involved coordinate activities among themselves. In addition, both organizations want to cooperate with each other in the field of testing. As a flag to the cooperation, both organizations aim to hold a joint congress during 2025.

At Care & ict, the organizations are hosting a joint session titled Fit for the EHDS on FHIR. That will take place from 10:45 to 11:15.