Toulouse University Hospital Drives Data-Driven Transformation: Realizing Interoperability with FHIR Standard

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There is a recognized challenge that while the volume of data generated by healthcare institutions has significantly increased, its structure and utilization have lagged behind. In response, the CHU de Toulouse initiated digital transformation in 2023, making 'data mastery' its core strategy. The hospital decided to build a FHIR-based data enterprise to ensure data can be used as a true engine for innovation. This strategy is implemented in three phases: first, establishing a technical platform using InterSystems solutions; second, standardizing the data; and third, creating mechanisms for information sharing using terminologies and semantics. By adopting FHIR, data becomes 'de-siloed,' enabling utilization from diverse perspectives such as clinical care, prevention, and public health. Two specific use cases are highlighted: appointment management and pharmacy. Previously, managing appointments relied on multiple applications with unique languages and workflows, making it difficult to get a fluid view of complex patient journeys, requiring time-consuming custom integrations. With the FHIR standard, an appointment becomes a standardized object, allowing patients to have a comprehensive view of their care journey and significantly reducing the interoperability burden on medical teams. Similarly, in pharmacy management, the adoption of FHIR ensures total traceability from stock to patient and enhances the safety of patient care. The hospital's approach demonstrates a modular architecture where specialized software connects via interoperability, serving as a model for modernizing the entire institution.