An Implementation of Batch Data Exchange of Immunization Record using XML Schema Derived from the HL7 Standard

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to understand a(n)
1. Implementation of batch data exchange of immunization records using an XML Schema.
2. Method to connect different electronic health data systems

Background:
Interoperability is one of the greatest challenges in exchanging Electronic Health Record (EHR) data. The Health Level Seven (HL7) protocol is recommended as a standard platform to share electronic health data. Implementation of an HL7 protocol can be time-consuming and complex. As an alternative, flat file data exchange is often simpler to implement, but is not automated and requires customization.

Objectives:
To create an efficient solution for the exchange of immunization data from an EMR.

Methods:
We used the HL7 profile and the registry import specification to develop an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) schema.

Results:
We created a successful XML schema derived from the HL7 Profile to exchange demographic and immunization information between the EHR system of a hospital network and an immunization registry. The schema describes and specifies the data contents for exchange.

Conclusions:
Data exchange was streamlined by using relational database technology and a Health Level 7 (HL7) messaging engine to create an XML schema. The schema has the potential to reduce the time needed to connect different information systems.