Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is a standard describing data formats and elements (known as "resources") and an application programming interface (API) for exchanging electronic health records (EHR). FHIR was developed by the Health Level Seven International (HL7) healthcare standards organization. It aims to address the complex challenges faced in healthcare, such as exchanging healthcare data securely and efficiently across different systems.
FHIR falls under the category of healthcare technology standards. It focuses on improving the interoperability of health information systems, making it easier for different healthcare applications to communicate with each other. By using standard data formats and APIs provided by FHIR, developers can rapidly and cost-effectively achieve interoperability in healthcare applications.
HL7 first introduced FHIR in 2014 as a modern alternative to existing healthcare standards that were cumbersome and difficult to implement. The motivation behind FHIR was to create a standard that is easier to understand and adopt for developers, healthcare providers, and technology vendors. Since its inception, FHIR has gained rapid adoption and support from various stakeholders in the healthcare industry.
In terms of market share, FHIR has seen significant growth in recent years. With the increasing focus on digital health initiatives and the need for seamless data exchange in healthcare, FHIR is poised to continue its expansion. Analysts predict that FHIR's market share within the healthcare interoperability space will continue to grow as more organizations and developers recognize the benefits of adopting this modern standard. The future looks promising for FHIR as it plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare technology and improving patient care.
