FHIR Resource Proficiency Survey: Focusing on Specialized Domains is Key
FHIR Resource Types by Domain - Darren Devitt
Summary
The author published survey results regarding FHIR, pointing out that healthcare professionals and developers tend to work with a limited set of FHIR resource types specific to their domain. Although 145 diverse resource types exist, most experts are sufficient with only 6-20 types, suggesting that deep understanding within a specialized area is more valuable than broad knowledge.
Details
FHIR encompasses 145 diverse resource types covering a wide range of healthcare domains. According to the survey conducted by the author, participants tend to operate using a small number of resource types (6-20) specific to their field. Specific examples include around 10 types for the Claims space and up to 15 types for diagnostic imaging. Therefore, rather than learning all FHIR resources broadly, focusing on deepening knowledge within one's specialized area is deemed more valuable. If seeking to improve overall FHIR knowledge, the author recommends concentrating on foundational elements common across all resource types, such as Data Types, Terminology, Resource References, Search, and Profiles. This insight suggests that when learning or implementing FHIR, emphasis should be placed on a domain-specific knowledge structure. This is an important perspective for improving standardization and practical usability in Japanese healthcare IT, where deep understanding of resource groups tied to specific operational areas (e.g., medical records, medication management) is required.
Original content copyright by respective publishers