Standardization of Healthcare Data Exchange Advances: New 'Healthcare Data Standard' and FHIR Compatibility

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According to the MOHW, the revision of the 'Healthcare Data Terminology and Transmission Standard' aims to build a consistent environment for exchanging and utilizing medical data. In addition to previously important core clinical information, this standard newly incorporates four key types of data: 'Advance Directive on Life-Sustaining Treatment,' 'Prescription Date/Time,' 'Alcohol Consumption Status,' and 'Smoking Status.' Furthermore, items adopting international terminology standards (such as SNOMED CT) have been added, enabling more detailed and comprehensive data management. Technologically, the standardization of transmission methods is crucial. The revised standard includes detailed specifications for sending and receiving data compatible with FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), which is the next-generation data exchange standard. This significantly improves interoperability when exchanging data between medical institutions and related systems, enabling more advanced information linkage. This standardization is the result of continuous efforts to balance field needs and clinical importance, drawing attention as a means to strengthen the data utilization foundation in Korea's healthcare IT sector. Detailed information can be checked on the Korean Health Information Institute website.