Experience with an XML/HTTP-based federative approach to develop a hospital-wide clinical information system

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering

Background:

• Healthcare systems require better integration and separation of knowledge.
• Diverse roles within healthcare networks necessitate adaptable information systems.
• Existing clinical information systems often lack interoperability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a strategy for federating applications into a component-based hospital-wide clinical information system.
• To address the need for improved integration, knowledge separation, and role diversity in healthcare networks.
• To report on a two-year experience implementing this federated approach.

Main Methods:

• Developed a shared vision and implemented organizational changes for system appropriation.
• Established a common architecture and terminology maintained by a dedicated technical group.
• Utilized XML as the syntactic framework and HTTP as the transfer protocol for federative technologies.

Main Results:

• A shared vision was developed within twelve months.
• The common architecture was specified, and key central components were implemented.
• Application teams successfully produced shareable services using XML and HTTP.

Conclusions:

• The implemented strategy facilitated the federation of applications into a component-based system.
• The use of XML and HTTP proved effective for creating shareable services.
• The approach successfully addressed integration, knowledge separation, and role diversity challenges.