CONTRIBUTOR:
John Valutkevich, Director of Programs
The insights shared in this blog originate from a ViVE presentation by John Valutkevich, Director of Programs at Drummond, where he explored the complex state of app development and integration within the FHIR marketplace. What follows is a summary of his case study, capturing the analysis and perspectives discussed during the presentation:
The digital functionality of healthcare technology is rapidly evolving, making way for transformative new practices that are primed to advance the efficacy of the healthcare sector. This new wave of innovation is highlighted by standards like Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), which has the functionality to optimize inefficient and antiquated digital processes by leveraging the power of open standards, allowing for the increased accessibility and utility of medical data. Due to FHIR’s immense potential, the medical sector has seen a significant uptick in the development of FHIR apps over the last several years as developers move quickly to bring effective FHIR-based use cases to the forefront of healthcare.
That said, the path to success for FHIR app developers has been filled with challenges as developers struggle to handle the numerous implementations and compliance-based obstacles that obstruct the path to seamless FHIR adoption. For this reason, Drummond has created a comprehensive certification program so developers can seamlessly move through FHIR’s elaborate compliance and integration workflow.
Let’s start by breaking down the problems faced by FHIR app developers so we can effectively outline how Drummond’s certification is primed to solve said integration and compliance challenges.
The Diverse Integration Requirements of FHIR Application
The 21st Century Cures Act significantly broadened data accessibility, posing intricate challenges for FHIR app developers as they attempt to manage the diverse integration requirements of various EHR systems like Epic, Cerner, and Meditech. Each system’s unique requirements entail a repetitive development process that can be highly complex for developers looking to integrate across numerous EHR systems. Furthermore, the well-vetted implementation guides meant to streamline this process often suffer from varying interpretations of what constitutes implementation best practices, introducing what is known as “implementation bias.” This inconsistency arises from the guide’s ambiguity of “should” versus “shall” statements, leading to varied implementation standards across platforms. As a result, the diverse requirements of EHR’s combined with the prevalence of implementation bias has complicated the act of satisfying compliance requirements, making it very difficult for app developers to facilitate seamless FHIR app integration.
The High Cost of FHIR Integration
For FHIR app developers, integrating into a healthcare system can also present financial and resource-based challenges, especially for smaller development teams or solo developers. This is because the typical integration process requires a significant investment of time and expertise, which can severely deplete one’s resources. Whether it’s the high costs of recruiting skilled developers or the intricacies of troubleshooting and system setup, the technical demands of integration can be very cost intensive.
Additionally, in a market saturated with competing products, distinguishing a quality FHIR app has become increasingly difficult, forcing FHIR app developers to invest more time into robust integration capabilities and rigorous health data standards compared to their non-FHIR-based app counterparts. While these elevated benchmarks are excellent for the overall quality of the FHIR app marketplace, they require an investment of resources that can be difficult to attain for smaller FHIR app developers who may possess a wealth of technical expertise but are constrained by non-technical factors like time and money.
How Drummond Certification Can Help
Drummond’s extensive history in compliance and interoperability testing offers a strong foundation of trust and assurance for FHIR app developers. Achieving Drummond certification enhances an app’s marketability and solidifies its credibility and compliance with stringent industry standards. This critical differentiation is essential for standing out in competitive marketplaces, aiding healthcare providers and patients in selecting apps that are proven in quality and security.
Moreover, Drummond certification plays a pivotal role in standardizing the interpretation of implementation guides, significantly reducing the negative impact of implementation bias. This helps eliminate inconsistencies that often complicate the integration process, allowing developers to focus more on product enhancement and less on the complexities of compliance. Drummond’s ongoing support and surveillance ensure that certified apps consistently adhere to evolving regulations and standards, providing developers with continuous peace of mind while diminishing the challenges associated with regulatory compliance.
Additionally, Drummond offers access to testing environments through its extensive reference server infrastructure. This facilitates precise app tuning and enables developers to demonstrate their apps’ reliability and performance across diverse EHR platforms. Through these comprehensive support services and testing capabilities, Drummond can empower developers to deliver superior healthcare solutions that meet the demands of modern healthcare environments.
Looking Forward
As we delve into the intricacies of FHIR app development, it’s clear that the path forward is fraught with challenges that require more than just technical expertise—it demands a partner who understands the intricacies of healthcare regulations and market demands. That’s why an effective testing and certification service can act as a beacon for developers, guiding them through the maze of compliance and integration challenges that could hold their app back from seamless FHIR app adoption. This partnership not only enhances the marketability of FHIR apps but also fosters an environment where continuous improvement and compliance are the norms. By investing in such quality assurances, we can look forward to a future where healthcare technology is integrated, efficient, and universally trusted.
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